Manila, Feb. 17 -- The local government here has formed a task force to coordinate and oversee tree-planting efforts across the city, ensuring a more strategic and organized approach.

At a press conference on Monday, Mayor Jerry Trenas said tree-planting initiatives in the city are a hodgepodge, thus the need for a comprehensive plan.

To streamline these efforts, Trenas said different offices in the city government engaged in the initiatives should be included in the task force to be headed by the City Planning and Development Office.

One of the key initiatives is planting trees along bike lanes, particularly from Barangay Sambag in Jaro district, to provide shade and encourage walking and cycling.

"We will have an inventory of the pl...