“Tanum Iloilo: Tree Planting with Social Distancing” was launched on June 25, 2020, led by the provincial government through the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) and coinciding with the celebration of Environmental Month and Arbor Day.

During the program, 100 Iloilo tree (Aglaia argentea) seedlings, the endemic tree species named after the province, were distributed to partner agencies like the Departments of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Education (DepEd), and of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for the ceremonial simultaneous planting across the province.

Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. also announced during the program launch participated virtually by 43 other local government units (LGUs) that the tree-planting proper will be done in September during the province’s annual “Pista sa Kakahuyan”.

The “Tanum Iloilo” aims to propagate the species of Philippine native trees such as Banaba, Ilang-Ilang, Molave, Narra, Toog, and more.

For the fruit-bearing trees, the program is targeting to grow Caimito (Star Apple), Chico, Duhat (Java Plum), Lansones, Pomelo, Santol, among others.

At present, the province has one central nursery located at Daja, Maasin, with five other satellite nurseries located in Ajuy, Alimodian, Calinog, Dingle, and Guimbal.