Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso’s 100,000-bamboo planting program has received a major boost after the Million Trees Foundation Inc. (MTFI) pledged support for the city’s urban greening and flood mitigation efforts.

During a courtesy call at Manila City Hall, MTFI officers expressed backing for the capital’s bamboo initiative and discussed preparations for the upcoming Million Trees Fun Run, which will traverse key historic sites in Manila and culminate at the Quirino Grandstand in celebration of Earth Day.

MTFI President Melandrew Velasco lauded the program and recognized Moreno as a “Bamboo Champion,” citing the environmental impact of large-scale bamboo planting in highly urbanized areas.

“Mayor Isko has shown that urban governance and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. By planting 100,000 bamboos, Manila is setting a powerful example for other highly urbanized cities. This is not ornamental planting—this is climate action,” Velasco said.

Moreno said the bamboo drive forms part of Manila’s broader sustainability and flood control strategy.

“We are reinforcing our riversides and major roads by planting bamboos along the banks to help control floodwaters that perennially affect our city during the rainy and typhoon seasons,” he said. “Disiplina sa kalikasan, disiplina sa kinabukasan.”

The mayor also welcomed the Million Trees Fun Run on April 11, saying it would highlight Manila’s heritage sites while raising awareness on environmental protection.

“Kapag nagkaisa ang pamahalaan at pribadong sektor, mas napapalakas natin ang mga programang makakabuti sa mga Batang Maynila,” Moreno added.

Present during the meeting were MTFI trustees Annette de Ocampo, former Department of Education Undersecretary Alain Pascua, and Joel Madamba, as well as Philippine Bamboo Development Industry Council Executive Director Butch Madarang and Green Media Events President Jenny Lumba.

MTFI and the Philippine Bamboo Development Industry Council also committed to refer bamboo experts and scientists to help ensure the sustainability of the city’s planting program.

Organizers said registration for the Run for Million Trees in Manila, an Earth Day celebration, is ongoing through the Million Trees and Green Media social media pages.