ILOILO City – The city government is taking decisive steps toward preserving its coastal resources through a strategic framework that emphasizes community involvement, sustainability, and long-term resilience.
Dubbed the Iloilo City Coastal Resources Management Plan (ICRMP) 2024-2028, the initiative aims to address pressing challenges while laying the groundwork for sustainable development in the city’s 26 coastal barangays.
City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) head Janis Sy described the plan as a forward-looking roadmap, not just a document, designed to ensure the sustainable use and protection of marine resources.
It is a strategic initiative that focuses on the future of our coastal areas, highlighting their importance to our community’s ecological and economic well-being, Sy said.
Key to the ICRMP is its emphasis on community-based management. The proposal includes forming a Coastal Barangay Community Council that will empower local officials and residents to lead restoration efforts for vulnerable marine ecosystems. By involving the grassroots, the plan seeks to strengthen the accountability and commitment of barangays in safeguarding natural resources.
The comprehensive 219-page document provides a detailed assessment of Iloilo City’s coastal ecosystems, socio-economic conditions, and legal frameworks. It also outlines tailored programs and projects to mitigate challenges such as habitat degradation, pollution, and the impact of climate change.
This is about ensuring that coastal development aligns with the needs of our communities, said City Planning and Development Officer Ronald Cartagena, underscoring the whole-of-government approach behind the plan.
During a recent presentation to the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Councilor Urminico Baronda Jr. acknowledged the ICRMP’s significance but stressed the need for a thorough examination of its framework, particularly regarding the role of barangay officials.
As the city moves toward adopting the plan, the initiative signals a shift toward a more inclusive and proactive approach to coastal management, balancing environmental stewardship with socio-economic development.
With the ICRMP poised for deliberation and possible adoption, Iloilo City is setting an example for sustainable coastal governance, aiming to transform its vulnerable coastlines into resilient and thriving resources for future generations. (With a report from the Philippine News Agency/PN)
