The Booming Abaca Industry of Janiuay

Long before the Spanish occupation, Filipinos have been growing Abaca. Endemic to the Philippines, it is a banana-like plant where its fiber is considered as the strongest among natural fibers and is commonly used for textile materials. For centuries, it has provided income to many Filipinos especially those living in the areas of Mindanao, Bicol and the Visayas.

Easily-grown in almost all types of soils and climate like ours, abaca is best grown in areas where the soil is rich in organic matter common in areas that are rolling to hilly or mountainous.

The municipality of Janiuay is now becoming one of the major abaca producers in Iloilo as production and interest from farmers to plant continue to improve. The industry in the town has improved as more and more famers especially in barangays Barasalon, Atimonan and Kanawilihan venture into abaca propagation.

The status of abaca industry is booming. There are now many farmers who want to plant abaca. The shift of interest of farmers to abaca is credited to its shorter maturity period compared to other high value crops.

The Tuburan Abacca Handicraft Association (TAHA) in barangay Tuburan, Janiuay, Iloilo is the leading promoter of livelihood projects on abaca production. Among its missions is to provide more employment and create more innovative products that will respond to the needs of its members and its market.

Organized in 2006, the association, then with 26 members started producing abaca fiber-based products that were marketed locally. It was in 2007 that the association became DTI-registered. At present, it has 33 members and presently headed by Barangay Captain Flora Ensolente. The association is currently producing fibercraft like mats, purses, bags, hats, placemats, high-grade decorative paper as art media, and all purpose decoratives perfect as gifts or souvenir items. The use of abaca fiber has long been recognized and the demand is continually growing.

Projects for the association are developed in partnership with other local government agencies. The municipal government of Janiuay work with government departments, local service providers and community workers to facilitate local planning and develop projects based on the needs of the community. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) also pitched in by providing additional consultancy in the training and the transfer of knowledge and entrepreneurial perspectives of the community.

Abaca fibers are extracted by stripping off the outer sheath of the trunk of the abaca plant and pull out individual fibers. The length varies from three to nine feet or even longer, depending on the height of the plant. It is then stripped and scraped to remove the pulp. The fibers produced are then washed and dried. The color of the fibers extracted ranges from ivory white or in the shade of brown. The best grades of abaca fiber are fine and lustrous in texture; light beige in color and very strong.

Popularly known as Manila hemp in the international trade, 84% of the world’s abaca supply comes from the Philippines. At present, the country’s major markets are Japan, Europe, India, United States, the Middle East, and Korea. China is the biggest emerging market for abaca.

The abaca craft production project of the Tuburan Abacca Handicraft Association has gone a long way since it was launched with orders coming in from various parts of the province and the region. The municipality hopes more people will be interested in products that enable rural communities to see their livelihood in a different light.

Know more about Janiuay’s abaca production and its abaca crafts during the 8^th Tumandok celebration on September 4, 2012 at the fountain area of Robinsons Iloilo. For more information, please contact (033) 5318719-Janiuay LGU trunkline and look for Miss Corel Locsin-Yap-Municipal Tourism Officer.

A Complete Solitude and Absolute Luxury at Sheridan Boutique Resort in Oton

The province of Iloilo also offers a wide range of accommodations for visitors from every budget bracket. On the frugal side of the spectrum you will find camping grounds set in a resort---a wonderful way to experience Iloilo’s pristine beauty in the most intimate and personal way. Clean and adequate mid-range resorts are also prevalent throughout the area offering cozy accommodations with a personal touch. Luxury resorts are not in short supply, particularly in the ever-trendy Ilonggos.

The Sheridan Boutique Resort is Iloilo’s newest resort destination. It is a cozy boutique Resort hidden away in the secluded barangay of Buray in the peaceful municipality of Oton, Iloilo. Only a 20-minuter drive from the city, the boutique resort is just a few meters away from the alternate route on the right side of the road before reaching the Batiano Bridge.

This 1.5 hectare boutique resort consists of beautifully-designed structures not taller than a coconut tree. Dramatically decorated with dark, rich wood and connected with immaculately groomed walkways, its intimate setting is what visitors to this place can expect.

This resort destination would not be complete if the outdoor area is not well-designed, too. The area is filled with beautifully-landscaped yards with a specific selection of trees, ornamental plants and flowers. Its Asian landscaping offers a very structured, elegant style that focuses on the wildness of nature with a tamed, calm center space where guests can relax. 

The area also includes koi ponds rife with lily pads. Curved bridges span the pond. Under the trees are shrubs and grasses of varying sizes, planted and allowed to grow together into a colorful mass. 

The picture-perfect setting of its Ayanna Garden Restaurant opens daily at 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. and at 6 p.m. till 10 p.m. and dinner with meals prepared using as much local produce as possible creating exquisite culinary delights that will surprise any discerning taste bud. Enjoy private dining at its air-conditioned restaurant that offers a unique luxury dining experience. As a lifestyle property, the restaurant provides the easy, relaxed ambience of Iloilo in an opulent and elegant setting.

They also have an area for relaxation with a touch of nature as everyone would actually like that for the atmosphere under the sky that is certainly better than that under the roof. Swim in comfort and style to its soothing Azure Infinity Pool with great landscaping and comfortable seating areas that opens from 9 a.m. till 10 p.m.

Celebrate your next important event at Wilfredo’s Garden Pavilion that can carry 300-350 persons. It is this boutique resort’s private getaway from the regular activities in the area and noise. Combining nature and structures is all about.

Setting a standard of lavish comfort, this boutique resort will soon open its 10-appointed two-bedroom suites to the public. The smallest details have been carefully crafted to provide every guest with every comfort and luxury available, making its suites as one of the most relaxing, enjoyable and satisfying experiences ever.

It is an ideal destination for anyone who wants to simply kick back on vacation, stretched out in pool chairs with a good book or frosty drink in hand. What better way to escape the stress and responsibilities of everyday life than with a boutique resort stay at Sheridan.

Lose yourself in the vibrant beauty and captivating allure of Sheridan Boutique Resort where the comfort and convenience of their guests is always their top priority. For more information, log on to their website: inquiry@sheridanboutiqueresort.com or send email: wilfredosgarden@yahoo.com.ph or call the resort at 09173077642 and look for Alysan.

The Bounty and Beauty of BATAD

In many towns across the province of Iloilo, farmers and fishermen are recognizing the need and desire to diversify their produce and supplement their agricultural and fisheries income. As a mainly agricultural and fishery community, Batad, a 5^th class municipality situated north in the province of Iloilo. Comprised of 24 barangays, it is 125 kilometers or a three-hour bus or van ride from Tagbak Terminal in Jaro Iloilo City.

Batad is generally far and due to the remoteness, majority of the people still rely on farming and fisheries for subsistence. The fertile farming land attracted the people of Batad to start farming in the vicinity of the cornfields community. It was due to abundant production of corn that the community was called “Corn Capital of Iloilo.” Aside from rice as its major crop, corn is planted throughout its 900-hectare land area. Corn is considered as this town’s OTOP (One Town One Product).

CPU sophomore tourism students for TUMANDOK 2012-Batad group

Corn is considered as one of the most popular cereals in the world. Corn forms as a staple food of numerous people in different countries. Although there are no particular health benefits of corn, except for the fact that it provides necessary calories for daily metabolism of the body, corn is good for skin care, boosting nervous system, digestion, and maintaining low cholesterol levels.

Located in very rural areas that lack a steady stream of visitors, cornfields is the most noticeable attraction of Batad. Farm kids have always enjoyed getting themselves lost in cornfields. The local government is trying to raise the bar on this kind of attraction and do it as well as it can be done anywhere. It is called agritourism, and it is an important strand of the tourist economy of Iloilo Province whose major attractions involve scenic beauty, outdoor recreation and traditional rural folkways.

Agri-tourism is the practice of attracting travelers or visitors to an area used primarily for agricultural purposes. The idea of tourism stimulates images of mass-produced travel that attracts a large number of visitors. Tourism is an option for enhancing their agricultural revenues. Like ecotourism, it is small-scale, low-impact, and is education-focused.

The few people who have jobs commute out of the community. The local officials are looking at its Local Governance Initiative as a means of attracting commercial and industrial development and to create jobs for the community.

With travel and tourism is fast becoming a big business across Iloilo, the farmers of Batad have tremendous opportunities to diversify their local produce and service offerings with agricultural and eco tourism. It can provide them with basic information on how to use tourism as an additional product offering on the farm. This practical tool can help farmers decide whether or not to enhance their incomes with tourism activities.

There are many and varied uses for corn husks. Although not so popular, it is one of the most common for wrapping fish and other types of seafood so they can be grilled. While many people are aware of toys and simple crafts that can be made from corn husks, home decorating also inspires different uses. They can be made into attractive flowers by folding them in half and attaching the ends together to make a flower petal. Several can be made and then the ends attached at the center. A dried flower can be glued to the center as an accent. The Women’s Group Association in barangay Caw-i through its FITS Center has been making corn flowers, baskets, trays and bags for the last five years. They are thoughtful homemade gifts and can be great centerpieces.

Another attraction of Batad is probably the biggest constructed dam in the province of Iloilo, the Alapasco Dam. It is a five-kilometer drive from the town’s poblacion to the scenic barangay of Alapasco in Sitio Luy-a, Bulak Sur. the dam serves as a water storage reservoir in the low foothills of cornfields that forms a backdrop to its artificial lake. Besides being an educational site, it is also cheap entertainment, that is, there is no fee for enjoying the exhibits and scenery. The dam was constructed in 1993 and was finished in 1997 with a length measuring 264.90 meters and  a height of 21 meters.  It has a hatchery of golden tilapia that allows visitors to view as well as the ponds where they keep some of the adult fish. Paddling boats are popular activities for visitors in the area.

Off to a 15-minuter pumpboat ride from barangay Tanao four kilometers from the poblacion is this town’s only island attraction, the Magalumpi Island. Uninhabited, it is a perfect snorkeling and swimming area for visitors. Motorized boat service is convenient and economical. The island barangays of Concepcion, Estancia and Carles serves as backdrop of this island. Its turquoise waters and sunshine make it a perfect adventure destination.

If you have not been to Batad, you should, and if you have been here more than once, come again, as this quaint town is home to ecotourism surprises and activities galore. You will not be disappointed.

Know more about Batad during the 9^th TUMANDOK on September 4-8 at the fountain area of Robinsons Place Iloilo. For more information, please contact Mr. Ernesto Balida-Municipal Tourism Officer at 09399388030.

Lambunao: A Municipality for Wildlife

Travel is one good way to relieve pressure and it has become popular that more and more people choose going around places during their spare time. And a tour to the municipality of Lambunao is very popular because of its many tourism resources.

Aside from being home to more than 30 waterfalls, the municipality is also known for the diversity of its animals, and for the number of species that would be considered rare and endangered. The town is in fact considered a “hot spot” for containing unique and unusual species.

Because the town contains such a high number of sensitive and potentially rare and endangered species, the municipal government along with a private conservationist group, a number of public agencies adopted a reserved area inside the West Visayas State University-College of Agriculture and Forestry, Lambunao campus in barangay Jayubo that addresses the need to protect important populations of rare and endangered species. It is a 2.5 hectare agro-eco park situated 16.3 kilometers from the poblacion.

The IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) Red List is a widely recognized evaluation for threatened plant and animal species. It has classified many animals in the Philippines including those found inside the WVSU-CAF Agro-Eco Park as endangered or critically endangered where they face a very high or extremely high risk of extinction.

The Visayan Spotted Deer, also known as the Philippine Spotted Deer is a nocturnal and endangered species of deer. It is one of three endemic deer species in the Philippines, although it was not recognized as a separate species until 1983. The deer is small and short-legged yet it is the largest endemic species of deer among the Visayas. This species is easily distinguished because of its distinctive "A" pattern of beige spots in both sides of the animal. It also has cream underparts and white fur on the chin and lower lip. Its head and neck are brown, but lighter than the body, and the eyes are ringed with paler fur. Males are larger than females and have short, thick, bumpy antlers. The diet of the deer, which consists of a variety of different types of grasses, leaves, and buds within the forest, is the primary indicator of its habitat. Since 1991 the range of the species has severely decreased.

The Visayan Warty Pig got its name from the three pairs of fleshy "warts" found on its visage. The scientific reason of the warts is that it acts as a natural defense against the tusks of rival pigs during a fight. Boars also grow stiff, spikey hair. It lives in groups of four to six. The diet of the pig mainly consists of roots, tubers, and fruits that can be found in the forest. It is not a protected animal and continues to be hunted that resulted primarily for its population decline.  As of its IUCN Red List assessment in 2008 it is classified as critically endangered.

photo by Toby Pagulayan Jr. (PALI)

The Visayan Tarictic Hornbill or Forest-dwelling Hornbill live in groups and frequent the canopy of rainforests. These birds are noisy and emit an incessant. Despite their noise they are difficult to find, being well camouflaged by the dense foliage.  The male has a creamy-white head and neck, a white upper chest and a reddish brown lower chest. The tail and bill of the female resemble that of the male, but otherwise the plumage of the female is black, and the ocular skin is blue. The bird has a very small and severely fragmented population which is undergoing a very rapid continuing decline as a result of lowland deforestation and hunting. For these reasons it is listed as Endangered.

photo by Toby Pagulayan Jr. (PALI)

The Rufous-headed Hornbill or the Visayan wrinkled hornbill can be recognized by the yellow throat and ocular skin for the male, and the blue throat and ocular skin for the female. They live in small groups and are noisy. The captive breeding of the Visayan Writhed billed hornbill in the Agro-Eco Park began in 1995 and in January of 2005 the first successful breeding in the whole world took place. According to IUCN the Writhe-billed Hornbill is actually critically endangered, with some 100 pairs on Panay.

CPU sophomore tourism students for TUMANDOK 2012-Lambunao group

Through “learning by doing” and scientific study, the local government of Lambunao through its tourism-oriented municipal mayor, Hon. Reynor Gonzales have gained extensive knowledge of its animal species. The people begun to understand wildlife population trends on their lands and are finding innovative ways to protect and enhance the sensitive habitat on which wildlife depends.

The area is also home to a temperate rainforest blessed with beautiful cascading sceneries of waterfalls, Montillano and Inas where trails leading to these falls offer a moderate hiking experience to its visitors.

The municipality of Lambunao is a 48-kilometer or an hour ride by either jeepney or van from Iloilo City via the terminal fronting Christ the King memorial Park in Jaro. It is a second class municipality in the third district of the province of Iloilo and is comprised of 73 barangays. For more information, please contact Miss Jennifer Osorio- Municipal Tourism Officer at 09102401933.

San Joaquin: A Hidden Luxury of Coves in a Network of Marine Protected Areas

Coastal tourism and recreation are important parts of the largest most rapidly growing activity in the province of Iloilo. Tourism and recreation-related development is one of the major factors shaping development patterns in the coastal municipalities of Iloilo.

Local tourism in Iloilo, much of it coastal-motivated, provides significant economic benefits that relate directly to Iloilo’s position in an increasingly competitive global economy.

Coastal tourism and recreation embraces the full range of tourism, leisure, and recreationally oriented activities that take place in the coastal zones and the offshore coastal waters. These include the development of resorts, restaurants, vacation homes, and the infrastructure supporting coastal development such beaches, dive shops, fishing and recreational boating areas. Recreational activities such as swimming, recreational boating, recreational fishing, snorkeling and diving.

It is common knowledge that these human activities have environmental impact on the variety of life in our seas. Establishing a Marine Protected Area is one of the tools that can be used to ensure such activities do not have an unacceptable environmental impact in our seas.

Numerous Ilonggos may have holiday at a Marine Protected Area and is not aware of it. If you have gone snorkeling in Concepcion, fishing in Carles and Banate, boating in Ajuy or swimming in San Joaquin, you have probably been one of the many visitors to a Marine Protected Area.

A Marine Protected Area or MPA is a geographic area with discrete boundaries that has been designated to enhance the conservation of marine resources. It is a versatile management tool that maintains biological productivity, and support sustainable marine fisheries.

A “Marine Reserve” is a subset of this definition, and includes restrictions on some or all extractive activities. These threats can contribute to impacts such as decreased abundance of target organisms, habitat loss, ecosystem degradation and a sense of aesthetic and spiritual loss of wilderness value.

San Joaquin's Marine Protected Areas form networks of remarkable places along its coasts that protect its municipal’s incredible variety of marine life and help sustain its communities. As a developed town in the province with a rich and important maritime area, San Joaquin has a special responsibility for the conservation and management of its marine and coastal environment and its resources. In order to establish a representative network of marine protected areas, San Joaquin’s marine environment has been classified and a range of habitats and ecosystems were represented.

The identified barangays formed the basis for classification and implementation of the MPA Policy set by the town. In 2011, the classification outlined 15 out of the town’s 85 barangays and are as follows: Pagang-Guibongan Marine Sanctuary in barangays Tapikan and Manhara; Crossing Dapuyan Turtles Marine Sanctuary; Tambi-Tambi Marine Sanctuary; Talisayan Marine Sanctuary; Baybay Marine Sanctuary; Igbangal Marine Sanctuary in barangay Siwaragan; Masagod Marine Sanctuary, Sta. Rita Marine Sanctuary; Tiolas Marine Sanctuary; Balabago Marine Sanctuary, Basang-Basa Marine Sanctuary in barangay Amboyu-an; Cata-an Marine Sanctuary; Igcundao Marine Sanctuary; Bugnayan Marine Sanctuary in barangays Lawigan and Igcadlum, and the more popular Kuliatan Marine Sanctuary in barangay Sinogbuhan.

The Kuliatan or Sinogbuhan Marine Sanctuary in barangay Sinogbuhan is 22 kilometers from the town center. It is the last barangay of San Joaquin with a total population of 1,700. The sanctuary is 35 kilometers from Anini-y of the province of Antique. It became an MPA via Municipal Ordinance No. 7 series of 2009 as amended by Municipal Ordinance No. 2011-4.

The sanctuary aims to restore the underwater condition in the area allowing fish stock to regenerate through time with the help of the Local Marine Sanctuary Management Board with Excalibur Seterra, Municipal Coordinator Coastal Resource Management Program, George Mendoza, Operations Unit Manager and Raymundo Sican, Barangay Captain.

The Kuliatan Marine Sanctuary contains an array of marine biodiversity in the area. It’s neighboring marine sanctuaries contain many fish varieties and species of invertebrates, plants and micro-organisms. From its beautiful cove are known fishes such as the clown fish, butterfly fish, angel fish, damsel fish, surgeon fish, lion fish and sweet lips. Also common in the area are blue and crown of thorns type of starfish, crabs, gastropods, giant clams and colorful corals.

The sanctuary is fast-becoming a tourism attraction of the town. At present it has a pavilion/ reception hall made of bamboo and can hold a small group lecture activity. It also has a bamboo house that can accommodate a group of 4-6 for those who would want to stay overnight at a very minimal fee of P400.00. 

CPU sophomore tourism students for TUMANDOK 20112-San Joaquin group with Mrs. Erlyn Alunan-Municipal Tourism Officer and Excalibur Seterra-Municipal Coordinator Coastal Resource Management Program

It has a viewing deck that is connected by a bamboo bridge suspended between two huge coral rocks. It has a refreshment hut that serves carbonated drinks and junk foods. Although the caretakers do not demand for an entrance fee, donations are accepted to support future development programs for the area. The swimming area is delineated with bouys, with markers and signages to mark about the do’s and don’ts in the area. 

To get to Kuliatan Marine Sanctuary, one can take a San Joaquin-Lawigan jeepney at the Don Benito Q. Acap Sr. Southern Iloilo Perimeter Boundary in Oton. When in San Joaquin proper, one can also take a tricycle ride to the area with a contracted rate of P200.00.

For more information, please contact Barangay Captain Raymundo Sican at 09186516932, Mr. Goerge Mendoza at 09212609866 or Mrs. Erlyn Alunan, Municipal Tourism Officer at 09179857804.

Tourism in Leganes Tap Sailing Boom through the Annual Biray-Paraw Celebration

The 7th annual Biray-Paraw Celebration in Leganes will start with a mix of activities on Sunday morning, July 1, 2012. The celebration will open with a coastal clean-up at 6 a.m. to be followed by a short program at the site. The race or Palumba Paraw follows and after the race activity returns, the much-anticipated biray-biray follows.  

Leganes’ annual Biray-Paraw is a municipal tradition.  Visitors and locals alike take to a beach resort for great competition and celebration.  This year, the ‘action’ takes place at Riannes Beach Resort in Barangay Camangay on the coast road in town.  There is an official opening and closing ceremony.

Leganes has long attracted local visitors to its annual religious festivity, Saad every April which are famous around Iloilo. What is less well known is that it is also a sailing destination in Iloilo.

Celebrating 7 years this year, the Annual Biray-Paraw offers a day of skilled races and festivities. Competitions include a sailing event and the traditional biray-biray or sailing.  

Local tourists are also drawn to the municipality of Leganes by its beautiful coastal scenery. Regular sailing visitors and spectators even coming from different tourism schools in the city have been captivated by the area’s scenic backdrop.

Biray-biray is a popular pastime of Leganesnons on its clean banks where the gentle water and gutsy sea breezes create ideal conditions. It has become a tremendously exciting recreation activity for Ilonggos to enjoy their good holidays; explore the coastal area and eating fresh local produce.

CPU and San Agustin sophomore tourism students enjoyed the biray for free courtesy of the municipal government of Leganes thru its municipal tourism office

For a minimal fee, visitors can pay for a ride to experience biray-biray. Life vests are provided to all who wish to join in the fun and adventure. Enthusiasts are attracted by the chance to learn technical skills in the exposed sea and around the Leganes. They even get a group together and enjoy the day in a friendly rivalry on the water. It is on this day that seafaring lovers can embark on a self-sail holiday around one of the safest and most picturesque cruising grounds nearest to the city of Iloilo.

Many witness and participate in the annual Biray-Paraw celebration and had been growing every year. Leganes is banking on the benefits this leisure activity brings to its economy. It sets out the economic case for local tourism for this town to get involved in the market to be able to outline a more practical steps aimed at growing sailing-related businesses. Although sailing tourism is currently not generating that much for this town’s local economy,  it is set to become one of the fastest growing activity for Leganes tourism.

Biray-Paraw is celebrated annually on a permanent basis, without a doubt boosting the tourism industry and helps generate a tourism platform that will allow Leganes to take advantage and maximize its coastlines while steering promotional efforts and diversified activities towards those less explored such as this nautical sport.

So, take the helm, set the sails and explore the coast around Leganes for it will surely be an adventure of a lifetime.

This quiet and progressive town is one of the 19 coastal towns of the Province. Leganes is subdivided by 18 barangays where the area has successfully combined modern living and rural ambiance to its residents. It is also home to modern residential villages, but has preserved its rustic appeal especially on its coastal barangays.

To get to Leganes, one can take a 20-minuter jeepney ride from Jaro Plaza. For more information, please contact, Mr. Jerry Anas, Municipal Tourism Officer at 09127721033.

ILOILO River: A River of Life

aerial view of Iloilo City circa 1950s, photo courtesy of Museo Iloilo

The Iloilo River runs right through the heart of Iloilo City. Like a ribbon winding its way across the city, it has a length of 15 kilometers with its water flowing from the town of Oton at Batiano Creek and traverses and nourishes some of the most populated areas in the city, namely, the districts of La Paz, Mandurriao, Molo, Arevalo and the City Proper.

photo courtesy of Museo Iloilo

The Iloilo River has played a fundamental role in the lives, history, culture and civilization of the Ilonggos for thousands of years. Throughout history, the river serves asa major source of transportation, water, food, and livelihoodfor a large number of Ilonggos. Water from theriver is a basic natural resource, essential for various human activities; Iloilo River banks have accordingly attracted settlers since antiquity. It is such an important part of Iloilo that theCity Hall and the Provincial Capitol is located on the shores of the Iloilo River.

The Iloilo River is a resource of immense environmental and social values. It is a major aquatic landscape for all kinds of plants and animals. It supports the growth of 22 mangrove species out of 35 national species.It is home to 634 hectares of fishponds blessed with 31 species of fish, crabs and shrimps that supports the livelihood of 130 fisherfolks. The Iloilo River is truly a river of waters of lifeand how grateful Ilonggos can be for that.

As the Ilonggo population continues to grow and tourism increases, there will be new pressures on the river system. At present, there are 9,062 ship calls transporting 1.6 million passengers yearly.A number of 2,995 businesses are situated in the estuary areagenerating USD 176 million in investments.

The salinity problem serves as a parable for the other problems now emerging for the river. The destruction of a river does not happen overnight. It comes as the result of years of unplanned and uncontrolled development, from the gradual accumulation of the effects of an increasing number of minor incidents.

Intensive developments are springing up along the river with inadequate waste disposal facilities; thus, threatening the water quality of tributary streams. And because of this, fish populations continue to decline. It is the “tyranny of small decisions” which has led to the destruction of our river.

It is by good luck rather than good management that we still have resources worth saving and only good management will save them now.

If “sustainable development” is to have any real meaning for the Iloilo River system, we need to establish a commitment to maintain and improve existing water quality. We must implement policies which aim at minimizing the pollution of our river. Our inland rivers unique advantages, which if effectively utilized will enable us to make sustainable development a reality.

With the present administration, much has been achieved. Headed by the city mayor, Honorable Jed Patrick Mabilog and with the support of Senator Franklin Drilon, the city government has moved to improve water quality legislation so that there is now a general commitment to maintaining existing river quality by requiring the best practical methods of waste treatment and disposal.

River rehabilitation efforts are now focused on involving the community as part of the cleanup process.Embarked on this project is to educate establishments and the communities living along the river on the need to preserve the river’s natural flora and fauna and to discourage indiscriminate dumping. An agreement has been reached, committing 76,938 residents from 35 villages along iloilo river; and suported by faculty and students from nine (9) colleges and universities; involving 2,995 establishments within the estuary.

Government sectors, service providers as well as local leaders and politicians have also taken a keen interest and came forward to play their part in supporting this project. And because of this, major programs have been accomplished that include: (a) Removal of fish pens that allowed the return of important fish species and enhance growth of fish population; (b) Dredging of the Iloilo River that will result to reduction of flood to flood-prone areas in the city; (c) Decongestion of Navigable Areas with the removal of sunken ships and relics; (d) Relocation of Informal Settlers with the preparation of 1,000 housing units to 5,000 informal settlers; (e) Construction of the Iloilo River Esplanade to promote eco-tourism and provide the Ilonggos with recreational areas; and (f) Clearing-up of Iloilo River to improve navigation and scenery, and reduce water pollution.

Conserving nature’s running waters in as pristine a state as we inherited it, is the best gift for our children and the world they will live in. the choice is still before us. We still have time to rehabilitate and maintain the water quality and environment of our inland river, provided we can muster the resources and political will to implement river management policies effectively.