Iloilo Aims for ‘Forest Province’ Status by 2044

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo provincial government, led by Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., officially announced its goal to achieve “Forest Province” status by 2044 during the 3rd Provincial Environmental Awareness Month celebration on Nov. 4 at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.

The event marked the launch of three key initiatives—Tanum Iloilo for MoRProGRes, Balik Alat 2.0, and Project Liso—designed to bolster Iloilo’s environmental programs. These initiatives, grounded in community involvement and a multisectoral approach, aim to expand forest cover, reduce single-use plastics, and promote sustainable food production across the province.

“We want Iloilo to be a forest province, not only by declaration but through concrete results and measurable progress with the help of our partners and stakeholders,” Defensor said.

With Iloilo’s current forest cover at 12 percent, according to the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO), Defensor emphasized forest restoration as vital to enhancing land, air, and water quality, supporting biodiversity, and fostering sustainable agriculture and tourism.

Tanum Iloilo for MoRProGRes is a comprehensive tree-growing and forest development strategy focused on reforesting lands and watersheds, establishing social forest projects for food security and eco-tourism, and engaging public and private stakeholders to plant trees at schools, offices, and public spaces.

Since its inception in 2020, the province has planted over 8.3 million seedlings as of October 2024, with a 44.42 percent survival rate. The province has also consistently met its annual target of 1.5 million planted seedlings, laying a strong foundation for Iloilo’s path to becoming a resilient “Forest Province.”

A new MoRProGRes Forest Map will track reforestation progress and monitor the recovery of primary and secondary forest areas.

The Balik Alat 2.0 program aims to eliminate single-use plastic bags by encouraging the use of traditional, eco-friendly handwoven baskets. Project Liso (Locally Intensified Seeds/Seedlings Collection One4TanumIloilo) focuses on promoting behavioral change by encouraging the collection and planting of native and endemic tree species to restore Iloilo’s natural flora.

Representatives from the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), municipal governments, and various environmental groups attended the kickoff ceremony.