Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso on Thursday, 19 February, received officials of the Million Trees Foundation and representatives from the bamboo sector, who referred to him as a “champion” of bamboo amid the city’s ongoing 100,000-tree planting program.

Officials from the foundation, during a courtesy call at City Hall, told the mayor that the bamboo industry is seeking a visible advocate to promote large-scale adoption, particularly in highly urbanized areas.

"You are being the champion now. Alam po niyo, naghahanap ng champion ang bamboo industry talaga," said Melandrew Velasco, president and executive director of the Million Trees Foundation.

Velasco was accompanied by Alain Del Pascua, director; Marie Antonette De Ocampo and Joel Valentine Madamba, directors of MTFI; Rene “Butch” Madarang, executive director of the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council; Jenny Lumba, president of Green Media; and Mel Andrea Teresa Velasco, project manager.

On 19 January, Domagoso ordered the planting of an initial 100,000 bamboo trees along Roxas Boulevard, R-10 and other major roads as part of Manila’s flood control and environmental policy.

He said the initiative aims to reinforce riverbanks and help cushion floodwaters during the rainy season.

“We are doing a reinforcement in the riverside by planting bamboos all over the banks, so it will help [control] the flood water that we're going to suffer again,” the mayor said.

He added that while flooding remains a concern during the wet season, bamboo growth could help reduce water levels and improve air quality in the city.

Representatives from the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council said they have scientists and experts who could serve as resource persons following the mayor’s announcement of the large-scale planting initiative.

“The people of Manila deserve better things from their government, so that's now our policy: 100,000 bamboo trees,” he said.