Iloilo City sets trend in global river protection
Date Posted: 2012-05-21

ILOILO CITY, May 21 - The 1st Philippine International River Summit to be held here at the end of the month will set the trend for similar gatherings all over the country.

“This is Iloilo City’s contribution to the Philippines in terms of tourism advancement, environmental protection and investment promotion,” Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog said.

He said it will become a yearly event with other local government units in the country hosting it.

“So far there has never been any gathering or summit dedicated to river development that has been conducted in our country or even worldwide,” Mabilog noted.

As this is a first for Iloilo City, he hopes that it will create positive impact for tourism and business opportunities.

Some 1,000 delegates from different parts of the country and abroad will be here on May 30 to June 1 at the Centennial Resort Hotel and Convention Center.

Expected to attend is President Benigno S. Aquino III who will deliver the keynote address on the third day.

As of May 15, 86 foreign and 761 local and national delegates have confirmed their attendance to the event.

International funding agencies and organizations have also been invited to learn more about river initiatives and best practices done for its improvement in various countries.

Summit director Engr. Noel Hechanova, the city’s environment and natural resources officer said, a total of 34 speakers, 95 percent of them are foreigners, will present their scientific papers to delegates during the three-day assembly.

They will also be treated to a tour of the Iloilo Wetlands and Bird Sanctuary, Iloilo River Esplanade Project and the heritage areas of the metropolis on June 1. (Lucy Montealto-Sinay/Iloilo City PIO)

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