ILOILO marked Earth Hour and World Water Day simultaneously over the weekend, March 22. The convergence of these two global observances offers a powerful reminder: climate change and water security are no longer separate issues — they are deeply intertwined challenges that must be addressed together.
The Earth Hour campaign, symbolized by the ceremonial “Ligum-Dulom” lights-off at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, highlighted the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions through energy conservation. Meanwhile, World Water Day, observed under the banner of “Bayanihan para sa Katubigan: Krisis sa Klima Labanan para sa Seguridad sang Katawhan”, drew attention to the worsening water crisis driven in large part by the same climate threats.
Erratic rainfall patterns, prolonged dry spells, and stronger typhoons are already affecting water availability and quality in many parts of Iloilo. At the same time, poor waste management — including plastic pollution — clogs waterways and contributes to flooding and contamination, further weakening water resilience. These impacts are not projections of a distant future; they are the lived experiences of many Ilonggos today.
This dual observance must therefore serve as a wake-up call. Symbolic acts like switching off lights for one hour are important, but they must be matched with concrete, year-round action on both environmental sustainability and water resource management. The climate crisis intensifies water scarcity, and water insecurity, in turn, makes communities more vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
The Iloilo provincial government’s efforts to hold clean-up drives along rivers and promote responsible water use through Provincial Ordinance No. 2002-027 are good steps. But to confront these twin challenges head-on, much more is needed.
Local government units must align their development plans with climate adaptation and water conservation strategies. Investments in rainwater harvesting, watershed protection, flood control, and sustainable agriculture are no longer optional — they are imperative. Public awareness must also be sustained beyond one-day events. Citizens must be empowered to adopt water-saving habits and advocate for policies that protect our natural resources.
Climate and water are two sides of the same coin. To act on one while ignoring the other is to miss the bigger picture. Iloilo has the opportunity to lead by example — by recognizing the inextricable link between climate action and water security, and by acting decisively to secure a livable, sustainable future for all.
