Iloilo City has been greatly affected by the overwhelming climate extremes that have caused severe damage to the communities.
With this, the goal to make the metro disaster resilient is interconnected with the City Government’s, WHEELS roadmap for inclusive development focusing on Welfare, Health, Education, Environment, Livelihood, and Sustainability.
Environmental-friendly initiatives are continuing to help curb the effects of climate change to create a more sustainable, resilient, and liveable Iloilo City for the Ilonggo community.
Mayor Jerry Treñas emphasized the importance of providing more green spaces all over the city as the effects of climate change can now be felt, citing the frequent flooding, especially during high tide.
It is also observed that several settlements situated along the coastal areas are becoming more particularly susceptible to floods and storm surges.
“As we continuously create infrastructure developments in the metro, we envision compensating by equally building green spaces all over the city. And as we persist in leveling up, we will also extend all efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change,” Treñas said.
Key projects are prioritized such as city-wide cleanup drives and tree planting activities and the Tree Park Network Project which consists of eco-forests in three districts namely: Iloilo Tree Park in Lanit, Jaro; Beach Forest in Boulevard, Molo; and Mangrove Eco-Park in Hinactacan, La Paz, which aim to restore biodiversity in the city through collaborations with private partners, national agencies and global organizations.
The projects involve developing a walkable and bikeable city, improving drainage and sanitation, rehabilitating public plazas, and promoting the use of both natural light and ventilation and solar panels in buildings and facilities.
A Rainwater Collection System (RWCS) will also be introduced to collect rainwater through pipes connected to the roofs of schools, offices, barangay halls, plazas, and gyms. The accumulated rainwater is distributed to either toilets, washrooms, or other facilities to be used by residents through the pipes attached to the water-collecting structure as an initiative to help address water shortage and promote water conservation in the city.
La Paz Plaza’s redevelopment has also included the establishment of a retention pond to catch rainwater and prevent flooding, which is also utilized for watering plants.
The Tree Park in Jaro will apply a mounding technique to prevent water from pooling randomly and serve as a rainwater catchment.
In order to fully implement these solutions, the mayor calls on the public to support the government’s sustainable programs that will increase the city’s resiliency while leveling up development. (Angelo Miranda/Iloilo City PIO)
