The local government launched the next two phases of Project Lunhaw on Friday, an ambitious eco-initiative aimed at revitalizing the city’s downtown area.

Mayor Rolando Uy led the groundbreaking for Phases 2 and 3 of the project, which will focus on redeveloping historic landmarks, including El Pueblo A Sus Heroes Park and the JR Borja Street-Kiosko Kagawasan area, also known as Plaza Divisoria.

Uy assured environmental groups that tree preservation remains a priority.

“No mahogany trees will be cut. They provide essential shade, and we will keep them,” he said.

Launched in 2017 as part of the United Nations Habitat’s Building Climate Resilience through Urban Plans and Designs Project, Project Lunhaw (green) follows a “ridge-to-reef” approach, tackling environmental issues from uplands to coastal areas.

Phase 1 of the project began in 2020, blending green and blue infrastructure to address climate risks affecting the city. (PNA)