The City of Victorias in Negros Occidental is targeting to plant 30,000 trees in the coming months.

The tree planting initiative, dubbed #JLB30to30k, was launched Oct. 8 during the 30th birthday of Mayor Javier Miguel Lopez Benitez (JLB).

“I’m committing 30,000 trees that we will fund and will grow until they mature. For anyone who wants to help out, please let us know. We’re using the hashtag so we can capture these moments, and we can keep track of our progress,” Benitez said in a video interview released Friday.

Benitez kicked off the initiative during the ceremonial planting of 3,000 narra trees at Sitio Binintigan in Barangay XI, in the vicinity of Gawahon Eco-Park.

He said the 30,000 trees represent “the 30 years I have lived on Earth” and is part of his “commitment to the long-term health of our environment.”

“All 30,000 seedlings will be completely planted before my next birthday,” said.

Benitez enjoined those interested in being part of the “meaningful movement towards environmental protection and sustainability.”

“We are eagerly inviting volunteers to join this cause and help us in planting more trees,” he said. (PNA)