Iloilo Capitol showcases 12 native, endemic tree species

By Mariela Angella Oladive

ILOILO CITY – The Iloilo Provincial Government is highlighting the province’s rich plant biodiversity as it joins the nationwide observance of Environmental Awareness Month this November.

The provincial government identified 12 native and endemic tree species growing within the Iloilo Provincial Capitol Complex along Bonifacio Drive in Iloilo City and installed identification markers beside each tree to help visitors recognize them.

Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. led the unveiling of the markers on Monday, Nov. 9, following the regular flag-raising ceremony.

The 12 species include alibangbang, bagawak morado, balai-lamok, balitbitan, kansilay, labayanan, lanete, mangkono, salingogon, Iloilo tree, molave, and narra, including its prickly and smooth varieties.

Through the markers, the provincial government aims to make environmental education more accessible to the public by providing information about the trees and promoting greater awareness of native plant species.

The initiative also supports the provincial government’s “Tanum Iloilo” program, which aims to make Iloilo a forest province by 2044 through sustained tree-growing activities and efforts to increase forest cover.

Under the program, the province aims to increase its forest cover to 33% by 2044 through reforestation, watershed rehabilitation, and community-based tree-growing initiatives.

Beyond biodiversity conservation, the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) is leading several activities to encourage public participation in environmental protection.

Under the “Limpyo Iloilo” program, PGENRO is spearheading a simultaneous province-wide cleanup drive.

It is also conducting “Hutik sa Kabukiran,” an environmental information campaign that brings discussions on biodiversity, wildlife conservation, waste management, water conservation, and watershed protection to schools and local communities.

The province is also using exhibitions to raise awareness of environmental challenges and sustainable practices.

The Circular Economy Week Exhibit and the Very Strong El Niño Month-long Exhibit will run at the Capitol Lobby from Nov. 9 to 30.

To promote energy conservation, the provincial government is encouraging government offices, local government units, institutions, and private establishments to observe a daily “Lights Off Hour” from noon to 1 p.m. on Nov. 16 to 20 by switching off nonessential lights.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Solid Waste Management Board will meet on Nov. 25 to discuss environmental programs, projects, and emerging concerns affecting the province.

The province will also hold the Gawad Probinsya sa Palibot 2026 on Nov. 26 to recognize local government units for their environmental governance initiatives and sustainable practices.

PGENRO is also organizing a Reels Contest and the Green Minds Challenge quiz bee to encourage public engagement in environmental protection.

Republic Act 9512, or the National Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008, declares November of every year as Environmental Awareness Month throughout the Philippines.

In Iloilo, Provincial Ordinance No. 2026-354 institutionalizes the observance of November as Provincial Environmental Awareness Month and the third week of the month as Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week.