Iloilo City, DENR sign climate action deal

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Iloilo City strengthened its climate action agenda by signing a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources during the opening of the SustainAbility Directions 2026 conference on Feb. 12 at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel in Iloilo City.

Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu and DENR Secretary Raphael Lotilla signed the agreement formalizing the city’s partnership under the department’s Project TRANSFORM, a science-based and data-driven initiative that brings together government, the private sector, academe and communities to address climate risks.

In her message, Treñas-Chu said the signing underscores Iloilo City’s commitment to translating sustainability pledges into concrete action, particularly in confronting the climate emergency.

“As a regional center, Iloilo City continues to lead inclusive economic growth anchored on trade, education, health services, tourism, agriculture, fisheries, MSMEs, and expanding digital connectivity that benefit both urban and rural communities,” Treñas-Chu said.

She added that the city is strengthening environmental stewardship, disaster preparedness, cultural heritage protection and people-centered governance.

Project TRANSFORM focuses on long-term climate resilience through evidence-based planning, including strategies to reduce the urban heat index and enhance ecosystem restoration.

Treñas-Chu encouraged corporate partners to support the initiative, stressing that climate action must go beyond tree planting and adopt scientific and structured approaches.

With the agreement in place, the city has adopted an action plan and allocated funding to implement Project TRANSFORM within the year.

The two-day SustainAbility Directions 2026 conference, led by Iloilo Business Club Inc. in partnership with the Department of Economy, Planning and Development, convenes national government officials, sustainability advocates, private sector representatives and civil society groups to advance strategies to keep Western Visayas resilient, competitive and future-ready.

About 175 participants attended the opening day of the summit, which features plenary sessions, keynote addresses and interactive exhibits highlighting sustainable technologies, enterprises and community-led initiatives aimed at building a more inclusive and climate-resilient future.