By Rjay Zuriaga Castor
The Iloilo City government is advancing sustainable coastal development through a five-year Coastal Resource Management Plan (CRMP), integrating efforts from various stakeholders to safeguard Iloilo’s coastal resources.
City Planning and Development Office head Ronald Cartagena said the 2024-2028 plan takes a holistic and collaborative approach, involving local government units, non-governmental organizations, and community members.
Cartagena explained that the plan emphasizes the interconnected impacts of health, livelihood, and environmental considerations.
“If you address any sector, there are impacts on health and livelihood. All these factors are considered to create more agreeable plans and programs,” he said.
The plan was introduced to the City Council last week but was referred to the Committee on Environment after councilors requested more time to review it.
Once approved, the CRMP will serve as a dynamic blueprint for coastal management, guiding development activities toward protection, conservation, and rehabilitation of coastal habitats. It also integrates spatial planning between coastal zones and upland areas.
Cartagena noted that the plan’s four-year timeline aligns with the next term of local officials, providing a reference for succeeding administrations.
A key feature of the plan is the creation of the Iloilo City Coastal Barangay Community Council, which will engage over 26 coastal barangays in protecting and restoring vulnerable ecosystems.
“We have made significant progress with our Iloilo River initiatives, but we need to enhance our work in coastal environments,” Cartagena stressed.
The plan also includes measures to protect marine areas and mangroves, which are essential for biodiversity and support the livelihoods of local fisherfolk.
In its 2023-2028 comprehensive development plan, the city government aims to increase the number of protected, managed, and conserved coastal and marine areas.
