The Iloilo City Government takes pride in its proposed Iloilo City Tree Park Network – its environmental program for a green and livable city. It is composed of the following: Iloilo City Tree Park in Lanit, Jaro; Eco-Park 01 and 02 in La Paz, and the Iloilo Beach Forest in Molo. It is the local government’s initiative to spearhead massive tree planting all over the metropolis.
Iloilo Tree Park | Brgy. Lanit, Jaro
The three-hectare Iloilo Tree Park, to be erected in Brgy. Lanit in Jaro, is just one of the initiatives of the local government in establishing the Tree Park Networks. On its social media page, Iloilo City Tree Park Network Project bared its plans, including the installation of world-class architecture in the said park.
“The Iloilo Tree Park vies of becoming an avenue for world-class architecture, design, and environmental conservation model that may lead the city to its greater,” excerpts from a post of the Iloilo City Tree Park Network Project.
“The Tree Park project will have an activity center where the first inhabitants of Panay, the Ati, with several families now living in the community nearby, can hold discussions about the environment.
The eco-friendly attraction will feature an exhibit area, indigenous trees, Ati Livelihood Center, Amphitheater, Bee Farm and park trails,” excerpts from a post of the Iloilo City Government.
The tree park will have the following, with perspectives illustrated by the United Architects of the Philippines Bahandi Chapter: Dagyang Amphitheater: Dagyang, a Hiligaynon word for dance and rooted in Dinagyang, a religious and cultural event in Iloilo City. The amphitheater will highlight a unique stage depicting a germinating seed about to sprout. Handumanan. Handumanan means ‘remembrance’ in Hiligaynon. And it will serve as a market display for local and indigenous products – products that highlight Iloilo and its culture. Gawang. Gawang will serve as a gateway made of tensile materials, forming arcade and grid lines that incorporate biophilic design. Banglid. Banglid, in Ilonggo vernacular, is a mound or sloped portion of land and will serve as a rainwater catchment. Talaytay. Talaytay is a combination of two vernacular terms: taytay-meaning bridge or link and latay which means to walk through. Talaytay is a combination of elevated boardwalks, gravel pathways, concrete slabs, and leaf-patterned bricks. Dungganon Pavilion. A pavilion is merely a decoration to enhance user experience. The Iloilo Tree Park development will feature canopy sculptures showcasing Iloilo’s rich culture and heritage. Daw-on Center. Daw- on, rooted in the llonggo vernacular ‘daho’, is a hand gesture that means to give. Moreover, daw-on is a hand gesture that means to receive. The concept is derived from a fruit-bearing tree and will symbolize the identity of the local community. Pangabuhi-an Center. The Iloilo Tree Park, apart from improving connectivity between nature and people, will also support culture, sustainability, and livelihood for the community.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas shared his thoughts on the development.
“Our 3-hectare Iloilo Tree Park Development Project is in the works in Brgy. Lanit, Jaro which is part of the interconnected network of greening projects. Isa ini sa akon ginaduso nga sustainable project sa idalom sang akon W.H.E.E.L.S. for Inclusive Development. Kaupod sa United Architects of the Philippines Bahandi Chapter, yari ang pinaka-latest nga plano para sa pagsulong sa aton ciudad sa kauswagan,” statement of Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas regarding the project.
Iloilo Beach Forest | Brgy. Boulevard, Molo
The proposed 1.6-hectare Iloilo Beach Forest in Brgy. Boulevard, Molo will be a collaboration of the Iloilo City Government, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and private partners.
In an update last September, a site inspection was done by the DENR – City Environment and Natural Resources Office, Brgy. Officials, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) Philippines, United Architects of the Philippines – Iloilo Bahandi Chapter, and private partners. The team found 34 different types of tree species, and some were identified as beach forest trees.
“The Beach Forest Ecosystem has so far been underrated, if not totally ignored. But Iloilo City will soon, give 1 – 2 years, a living replica in Molo Boulevard. Beach Forest Park, with the dynamic leadership of Mayor Jerry Treñas and a multisectoral team – the Iloilo City ENRO with DENR, barangay officials, and partners from UAP Bahandi, Globe and ZSL – designating locations for trees to be planted and IDing exotic trees that have to be replaced. This initiative is backed by science, compiled in 3 beach forest books used as references,” states Dr. Jurgenne Primavera, a marine scientist and academician of the National Academy of Science and Technology.
Hinactacan Eco Park
The Hinactacan Eco Park is another green initiative to promote sustainability. It is also eyed to boost tourism and economic activities, as well as aid Iloilo City in becoming one of the top five most livable highly urbanized cities in the Philippines by 2028.
