Iloilo City and Oton team up for the Iloilo-Batiano River System

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In a significant move to safeguard a vital natural resource, the Iloilo City Government and the Municipality of Oton launched a joint strategy to protect the Iloilo-Batiano River System during a policy-sharing session held on March 25, 2026, at the Iloilo City Business Center. This partnership highlights a commitment to integrated river basin management that balances the needs of both urban and rural communities along the river system.

Research-Driven Dialogue Bridging Diverse Needs

The policy session was organized by the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) River Project Team, building on a three-year study funded by the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies (UP CIDS). The study focused on engaging diverse stakeholders to improve water quality and river management.

Key participants included representatives from 22 Iloilo City offices under the Waterways Development Council, such as the City Environment & Natural Resources Office, Local Housing Office, City Engineer’s Office, City Planning & Development Office, and other essential city departments. The Municipality of Oton’s delegation, led by MENRO Menchie G. Paniergo and Sangguniang Bayan Chair for Environmental Management Evaristo Miguel L. Flores Jr., shared valuable insights from their experience managing the Batiano River.

A Shared Vision for Sustainable River Management

A major outcome of the session was Iloilo City’s commitment to update its River Development Masterplan. This revision will address critical urban challenges such as biodiversity protection, climate resilience, solid waste and septage management, informal settlements, and governance. Equally important are the inputs from Oton, whose local development priorities will be carefully balanced with those of Iloilo City to ensure a coordinated and inclusive basin-wide management approach.

Oton officials underscored the importance of addressing rural issues such as flood control and the management of informal settlements along the riverbanks, which are critical to the overall health of the river system.

Embedding River Protection in Local Development Frameworks

The unified river management strategy will be anchored in local regulatory frameworks, including the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) and Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP). Integration with the Coastal Resource Management Plan and Local Shelter Plan ensures that environmental protection is linked with housing and development policies, institutionalizing river management within the LGU’s development and budgets.

Next Steps for Sustainable Management

Both Iloilo City and Oton committed to jointly develop a comprehensive basin-wide plan and to institutionalize the Iloilo City Waterways Development Council through an ordinance. This shared governance framework will enable the pooling of resources, harmonization of policies, and stronger national support for the river system’s resilience.

The event was co-convened by CENRO, led by EnP Janis Mae Sy and Assistant Head Ma. Christina Octavio, specifically the Coastal and Water Bodies Management Division. The UPV Project Team included Prof. Rhodella A. Ibabao, Prof. Brian Ventura, Mr. Alan Dino Moscoso, Michelle Ann Loredo, Jeestin Kent Gabinera, and Geraldine Camandillo.  (Written by UPV-CIDS Research Team on River Management)