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WV News Updates, Iloilo City (2026)

03/06/2026

A once-abandoned 10-hectare fishpond in Barangay Nabitasan, Leganes, Iloilo has been transformed into the Provincial Katunggan Ecological and Economic Park, a major step forward in coastal conservation and biodiversity protection.

1. The project began in 2016 under Iloilo Province's Katunggan: Coastal Greenbelt for BioCoCo Protection Project.
2. The provincial government initially invested ₱710,000 for the rehabilitation effort.
3. Around 100,000 mangrove seedlings were planted, primarily bungalon (Avicennia marina) and pagatpat (Sonneratia alba).
4. The site now supports 10 mangrove species and has become a habitat for migratory birds.
5. The park was officially inaugurated on June 2, 2026, led by Governor Arthur Defensor Jr.

This initiative shows how degraded coastal areas can be restored to protect marine biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience, and create sustainable opportunities for local communities.

What was once an unused fishpond is now a thriving ecological sanctuary, proving that environmental restoration can deliver lasting benefits for both nature and people.

02/06/2026

A Boracay-based organization, Natives of Boracay and Business Stakeholders, Inc. (NaBBSI), is urging the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to temporarily suspend forestland-related cases and enforcement actions on the island.

In a position paper submitted on May 29, 2026, the group argued that enforcement should be put on hold until a clear, science-based, and transparent forestland management system is established.

Key concerns raised include:

• The protection of Forestland Block A, a critical habitat known to serve as a roosting area for flying foxes (fruit bats).
• Questions about ongoing or proposed developments in environmentally sensitive areas.
• The absence of a publicly available critical habitat management plan and biodiversity management framework.
• The lack of an approved Forest Land Use Plan (FLUP) for the Municipality of Malay.

NaBBSI emphasized that Boracay's rehabilitation goals include increasing forest cover, protecting wetlands and critical habitats, restoring biodiversity, and reforesting degraded areas. The group believes these objectives should guide land management decisions before legal actions are pursued.

Among its requests, NaBBSI asked the DENR to:
1. Suspend forestland enforcement actions pending the completion of a comprehensive governance framework.
2. Review alleged inconsistencies in forestland mapping and classification.
3. Release biodiversity studies, habitat assessments, zoning plans, and management documents related to Forestland Block A.
4. Clarify how development projects are evaluated against conservation objectives.

Background:
Boracay underwent a six-month closure in 2018 as part of a government-led environmental rehabilitation program. The island's land classifications are largely based on Presidential Proclamation No. 1064, which was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2008.

NaBBSI stressed that it supports environmental protection but believes conservation efforts should be guided by clear policies, scientific data, and public participation to ensure both environmental sustainability and fair governance

26/05/2026

Health authorities are reminding the public to stay alert as the rainy season approaches, with increased rainfall creating ideal breeding conditions for mosquitoes that spread dengue.

Standing water from rain, such as in containers, tires, flower pots, gutters, bottles, and other areas where water can collect, can become breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes. These mosquitoes multiply quickly during wet months, making dengue cases more likely to increase.

Residents are encouraged to strengthen prevention efforts by regularly cleaning surroundings, covering water storage containers, removing stagnant water, and practicing the “4S” strategy: Search and destroy mosquito breeding places, Self-protection measures, Seek early consultation, and Support fogging in outbreak areas when needed.

Health officials also remind the public to watch for common dengue symptoms, including high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, skin rashes, nausea, and unusual bleeding. Early medical consultation is important, especially since severe dengue can become life-threatening if not treated immediately.

The public is urged to work together in keeping communities clean and mosquito-free, especially during the rainy season when dengue transmission risk becomes higher.

Stay vigilant and help protect your family and community from dengue.

20/05/2026

All 1,721 barangays in the province will receive ₱200,000 each under the national government’s “Bawat Barangay Makikinabang” program, totaling ₱344 million in assistance coursed through the Iloilo Provincial Government.

Half of the allocation (₱100,000 per barangay) will fund educational assistance for 5 college students, with each beneficiary receiving ₱20,000. Priority will be given to graduating students from low-income families, households affected by unemployment, and families without a college graduate.

The remaining ₱100,000 may be used for community projects and disaster preparedness initiatives such as solar streetlights, CCTV cameras, patrol vehicles, disaster response equipment, tents, office equipment, and other barangay needs.

Provincial officials are targeting the release of funds on July 19 during the Iloilo Provincial Liga ng mga Barangay Day.

The program aims to ease the financial burden on families while helping barangays improve local services and emergency preparedness.

18/05/2026

Residents in several areas of Iloilo City and nearby towns are now experiencing low water pressure and intermittent supply after the Maasin Dam dropped to RED ALERT level due to extreme heat and the continuing dry spell.

Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW) said concerns started as early as March 14 when the Maasin Dam water level fell to 93.94 meters above sea level (MASL), below the normal operating level of 94.85 MASL and close to the critical level of 94.80 MASL.

Because of the declining water source, bulk water production also dropped below normal levels. Supply went down from the usual 80 million liters per day (MLD) to as low as 75.33 MLD.

On May 15, an emergency shutdown by FLOWATER due to the closure of the Moroboro Dam caused temporary service interruptions in parts of Leganes and Iloilo City districts including Jaro, Mandurriao, Lapuz, La Paz, City Proper, Molo, and Arevalo.

Although the Maasin Dam briefly recovered to 94.90 MASL, the situation worsened again by May 16 when the water level dropped to 94.59 MASL, putting the dam back under RED ALERT status.

MPIW warned that low water pressure and supply interruptions may continue as bulk water suppliers regulate production and conduct plant maintenance amid the prolonged dry weather.

The company is urging consumers to conserve water and store enough supply while interruptions continue.

Meanwhile, MPIW is also working on modular desalination facilities in Nabitasan, La Paz and Ateneo de Iloilo, which are expected to add 2 million liters per day for around 2,000 households within the quarter.

15/05/2026

The Iloilo Provincial Government is now preparing possible charges against six individuals allegedly involved in illegal quarrying operations in the province.

According to the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO), investigators are currently gathering documents, testimonies, and other pieces of evidence to strengthen the case before formal complaints are filed. The identities of the suspects have not yet been revealed as the legal process is still ongoing.

PGENRO chief Cesar Emmanuelle Buyco Jr. admitted that the investigation has been difficult because some personalities allegedly linked to the operations are said to be influential individuals, including alleged public officials and even members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Despite this, authorities said they remain determined to pursue the investigation.

Buyco also revealed that their office has received threats while carrying out anti-illegal quarrying efforts. Still, he emphasized that environmental law enforcement agencies are committed to doing their job and protecting Iloilo’s natural resources.

The case buildup comes after intensified anti-illegal quarrying operations in the towns of Dueñas, Calinog, and Lambunao areas identified as hotspots for quarrying activities.

Last April 29, authorities conducted a large-scale joint operation involving PGENRO, the Iloilo Police Provincial Office, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region 6, and SWAT units. However, no suspects were arrested because quarry operators reportedly fled before the teams arrived at the site.

Even so, authorities were able to recover six abandoned backhoes in Barangay Cabudian, Dueñas. The equipment is now under barangay custody.

Officials said drone surveillance conducted before the raid confirmed active quarrying operations in the area. Investigators are now looking into the possibility that the operators may have been tipped off before authorities arrived.

Authorities estimate that the affected quarry area spans more than five hectares.

Illegal quarrying has long been a major environmental concern in Iloilo because of its destructive effects on rivers, ecosystems, and farmlands. Experts warn that uncontrolled extraction activities can lead to soil erosion, river degradation, flooding, landslides, and damage to local water sources, especially in upland and riverside communities.

Authorities are now encouraging the public to cooperate and report information that may help strengthen the ongoing investigation against those responsible for illegal quarrying activities in the province.

15/05/2026

Authorities in Iloilo City are reminding the public to stay cautious as extreme heat continues to affect the city, leading to a growing number of heat-related health concerns.

According to the Iloilo City Emergency Operations Center, temperatures in the highly urbanized city are significantly higher compared to nearby municipalities. Over a monitoring period of around five weeks, a total of 924 heat-related and heat-associated cases were recorded. Among the most common illnesses reported were upper respiratory tract infections, hypertension, skin diseases, animal bites, and pneumonia.

Dr. Jennifer Castro, assistant head of the Iloilo City Health Office, shared that cases of heat-related illnesses sharply increased from 355 cases recorded between April 7–30 to 569 cases from May 4–8 alone.

Health officials are strongly advising residents to avoid prolonged outdoor activities, especially between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., stay hydrated, wear light or cotton clothing, and apply sunblock when going outside.

To help residents cope with the heat, cooling stations have been set up in health centers across the city. Patients and visitors are being accommodated in air-conditioned or properly ventilated waiting areas to help prevent heat exhaustion.

Meanwhile, Meteorologist Patricia Anne Constantinopla from the Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported that the city’s heat index reached as high as 47°C from May 1–10, while daily localized heat index readings usually range from 44°C to 46°C.

She also noted that Iloilo City has been experiencing dry conditions since mid-April due to below-normal rainfall over two consecutive months. However, based on the state weather bureau’s drought outlook, normal weather conditions are expected to return by the end of May.

Stay safe everyone, avoid unnecessary exposure to extreme heat, and always prioritize your health during this hot weather.

14/05/2026

Western Visayas is once again gaining recognition on the national stage, this time for preserving and promoting products that truly represent our culture, heritage, and local identity.

The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) recently recognized the region as a model for geographical indications (GI), highlighting how local products connected to specific places can help protect traditions while creating more opportunities for communities.

From the world-famous Guimaras mangoes to Aklan’s piña fiber, these products are more than just local specialties. They carry the stories of our farmers, artisans, history, and way of life passed down through generations.

The recognition was highlighted during the SynerGI ASEAN GI Forum and Exhibition held in Iloilo City, where ASEAN member countries gathered to strengthen the protection of geographical indications across the region.

This milestone proves that Western Visayas is not only rich in culture and tradition, but is also leading the way in preserving local identity through innovation and intellectual property protection.

A proud moment for Region VI and for every Ilonggo and Negrense who continues to support and celebrate our local products.

12/05/2026

Solar demand in the Philippines is soaring as households and businesses look for ways to protect themselves from rising energy costs and global fuel uncertainty.

A recent survey of rooftop solar installers revealed that weekly customer inquiries across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao have increased by more than 500% since the Middle East crisis began in late February. However, while interest has surged, actual installations have only doubled due to supply shortages and workforce limitations.

During the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called for stronger regional cooperation on energy security, emphasizing the need to accelerate renewable energy projects and improve the ASEAN Power Grid. ASEAN leaders are now treating renewable energy not only as an environmental issue, but also as a critical economic and security strategy.

Brenda Valerio of New Energy Nexus said the current crisis has made solar energy more urgent and practical for Filipinos. According to her, many consumers now see solar panels as a way to manage electricity expenses rather than simply a sustainability choice.

Industry experts also pointed out several challenges slowing down the solar boom, including:
🔹 Shortages of solar panels and equipment
🔹 Unstable prices of inverters and materials
🔹 Lack of trained workers
🔹 Higher transport and logistics costs
🔹 The rise of unqualified solar suppliers

ASEAN leaders are also pushing for stronger regional energy connections through the ASEAN Power Grid, which aims to provide cheaper and more stable electricity for over 700 million people in the region.

Indonesia meanwhile announced plans to expand solar power generation, while analysts across Southeast Asia stressed that renewable energy, stronger grids, and regional cooperation are key to reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and protecting economies from future energy shocks.

Experts say the current crisis has accelerated the shift toward clean energy faster than years of climate campaigns ever did, with many governments now prioritizing renewable energy projects as part of long-term energy security plans.

WV News Updates

03/06/2026

02/06/2026

26/05/2026

20/05/2026

18/05/2026

15/05/2026

15/05/2026

14/05/2026

12/05/2026

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