Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. on Monday, Sept. 1, declared that “the forest is the best flood control project” as the Provincial Government opened the 25th Piyesta sa Kakahuyan Month Celebration at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.

Carrying the theme “Paghanduraw kag Pagpasanyog,” the event brought together local leaders, environmental advocates, and partner agencies to highlight the vital role of forests in disaster prevention, water security, and sustainable livelihoods.

Defensor, joined by Vice Governor Lee Ann Debuque, DENR-6 OIC Regional Executive Director Red Raul Lorilla, Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, Oton Mayor Sofronio Fusin, Maasin MENRO Noemi Magullado, Provincial ENRO Chief Cesar Emmanuelle Buyco Jr., UNDP representatives, and other stakeholders, led the ceremony.

The governor reiterated Iloilo’s bold vision of becoming a Forest Province, emphasizing that forest development is central to climate resilience.

Defensor said the province’s program, anchored on Executive Order 195 or “Tanom Iloilo for More Progress,” goes beyond ceremonial planting.

The program prioritizes tree-growing and long-term interventions in three areas: restoring upland primary forests, maximizing Integrated Social Forestry Areas for livelihood and sustainability, and mobilizing both public and private lands for tree-growing initiatives.

“This is not just about planting trees—it is about building ecosystems that protect communities, prevent flooding, and provide opportunities for our people,” Defensor said. “We dedicate the whole month of September to give traction to this vision.”

Lorilla described the celebration as a community symbol for forest rehabilitation and heritage preservation, while Buyco called it a “memorable step forward toward a cleaner, healthier, and climate-resilient forest province.”

Enacted under Provincial Ordinance No. 2000-040, the Piyesta sa Kakahuyan has evolved over 25 years from a symbolic celebration of trees into a convergence movement uniting government, civil society, and communities in pursuit of environmental resilience.IMT