Iloilo pushes 2044 ‘Forest Province’ plan to curb deforestation

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Confronting the growing threat of deforestation and watershed degradation, the Iloilo provincial government has set an ambitious goal to transform the province into a “Forest Province” by 2044, a long-term strategy to restore forest cover and strengthen climate resilience.

Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. led local officials, environmental groups, and private partners in the Stakeholders Summit Towards a Forest Province on Oct. 6, uniting sectors to strengthen the Tanum Iloilo for MoRProGRes reforestation program.

Anchored on Executive Order No. 195, Series of 2024, the initiative seeks to restore Iloilo’s forest cover by expanding tree-growing activities across forestland, watershed areas, Integrated Social Forestry Program (ISFP) zones, and both public and private lands.

Latest data from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region VI show that Iloilo has 471,940 hectares of forest cover, with 357,857 hectares classified as forestland and 114,083 hectares as alienable and disposable areas.

A MoRProGRes Forest Map will guide the province in identifying forestland and watershed zones that require reforestation and rehabilitation.

Defensor said the province’s “Forest Province” vision is a strategic adaptation plan to combat climate risks and food insecurity.

“We set the direction now. And we need your support and commitment. We want to do our share in taking care of our natural environment,” he said.

Provincial Administrator Raul Banias echoed the urgency of the initiative, saying that environmental recovery must be embedded in every sector’s work.

“We must treat our forests not just as lands but as our life support system and our economic future,” Banias said.

The summit, which coincided with the 25th Piyesta sa Kakahuyan, emphasized the link between tree cover, watershed health, and community resilience amid intensifying climate impacts.

By 2044, Iloilo hopes to reverse decades of environmental degradation, turning its forests from vulnerable resources to core solutions in building a sustainable and climate-secure province.