MANILA, Philippines — Manila is seeking to bring back the “nilad” plant, from which the city is believed to have derived its name, as part of the local government’s greening program.
Mayor Honey Lacuna yesterday led the planting of nilad plants at the Manila Zoo. She rode a boat across a waterway inside the zoo to go to a riverbank where she planted nilad.
She was accompanied by the contestants of the Manhunt International.
“It was during the precolonial period when the nilad plant grew abundantly in the southern part of Pasig River,” Lacuna said.
“Believing that it is near extinction, we should do our best to promote planting, growing and protecting nilad plants in the city,” she added.
According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the nilad plant used to be endemic in the shores of Manila Bay. The plant thrives in mangrove areas.
The city government aims to grow the nilad plant along the Manila Baywalk and Baseco beach in Tondo.