WE are saying this again for the umpteenth time: we should have started planting trees massively at least 90 to 100 years ago.

We mean, a no-nonsense tree-planting activity and not just a ningas cogon style or pakitang tao gimmickry to score pogi points.

And while doing it, deforestation should have been done sparingly if it couldn’t be avoided.

Life could not exist on Earth without trees because they produce most of the oxygen that humans and wildlife breathe.

Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen using the process of photosynthesis.

If we did, several towns and villages that submerged from flash floods in the city and province of Iloilo when typhoon after typhoon terrorized Panay Island and the entire country for that matte these past weeks would have been protected.

Several lives in other parts of the country would have been saved including damages of millions worth of property and agriculture.

Storms normally bring heavy rains and strong winds, but if our mountain slopes are surrounded by trees, water can’t easily inundate the villages.

Trees help clean the air we breathe, filter the water we drink, and provide habitat to over 80 percent of the world’s terrestrial biodiversity.

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One Tree Planted said forests provide jobs to over 1.6 billion people, absorb harmful carbon from the atmosphere, and are key ingredients in 25 percent of all medicines.

Trees also play a key role in capturing rainwater and reducing the risk of natural disasters like floods and landslides.

Their intricate root systems act like filters, removing pollutants and slowing down the water’s absorption into the soil. This process prevents harmful waterslide erosion and reduces the risk of over-saturation and flooding.

According to the UN Food and Agriculture Association, a mature evergreen tree can intercept more than 15,000 liters of water every year.

From arborists to loggers and researchers, the job opportunities provided by the forestry industry are endless.

We don’t just rely on trees for work, though.Sustainable tree farming provides timber to build homes and shelters, and wood to burn for cooking and heating.

Food-producing trees provide fruit, nuts, berries, and leaves for consumption by both humans and animals, and pack a powerful nutritional punch.

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So disturbed and alarmed was Iloilo Governor Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. that he had reportedly called for expansion of tree planting activities in the mountains to reclaim secondary forest lost in irresponsible and reckless deforestation.

This is a wise move. The governor may need the total support of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to pursue this herculean task.

We may be late, but it’s better to do something than crying over a spilled milk; it’s better to light a candle instead of cursing the darkness.

Sometimes only during calamities can our resolve be revitalized.

We are motivated to do something or spring into action with absolute urgency only after we have been caught off-guarded and unable to save lives and properties.

On the other hand, we can’t prevent people from cutting down trees. We need to build stores, houses, and other buildings.

We also cut down trees to clear land for agricultural use. In some cases, trees are cut down for wood for fires to heat up our homes and cook food.

If we cut trees, it’s but logical that we also plant more trees.

If we continue to be neglectful and irresponsible, we will wake up one day on the verge of being swept away by heavy floods to the kingdom come when heavy storms bombard us like a thief in the night.

Planting of trees is a responsibility that must be carried out by all people regardless of sex, economic status, age, religion and political affiliation.

We shouldn’t rely on our government alone.

We must think of what we can do for our environment, and not what our environment can do for us, to paraphrase JFK’s popular adage on government and our role.

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Let me share this “Tree Riddles” from the Trees Group:

This is the place for the most interesting tree riddles, forest-themed brain teasers, and nature-inspired puzzles, as well as riddles about trees, environment enigmas, and woodland conundrums.

What weighs more, a pound of leaves or a pound of logs?

They both weigh the same.

Which side of a tree has the most leaves?

The outside.

What kind of trees do you get when you plant kisses?

Tulips.

How do you get down from a tree?

You don’t. Down comes from a duck.

What gets a year older whenever it rings?

A tree.

What can pass through a tree without rustling any leaves?

Sunlight.

The more of it there is in the forest, the less you can see. What is it?

Darkness.

What looks like half a spruce tree?

The other half.

How far can a monkey run through the rainforest?

Just halfway. After that, it’s running out of the rainforest.

What color is the rain in a painting of the rainforest?

Water color.

Which animals can jump higher than a tree?

All of them. Trees can’t jump!

How many oranges grow on a tree?

All of them.

What’s the same size and shape as a giant sequoia tree, yet weighs nothing?

A giant sequoia tree’s shadow.

What do you get when you cross a fallen tree with a very organized feline?

A catalog.

There are 52 birds perched on a single tree branch. A poacher comes along and shoots one of those birds twice. How many birds are on the tree branch now?

There are no birds on the tree branch now. The bird that was shot fell off, and the rest of the birds flew away after the first shot.

What tree has two eyes but can’t see?

White Pine.

Which is more likely to break one of the laws of nature, a large rock or a large tree?

A large rock, because it’s boulder.

What does a tree sapling become after it is 30 days old?

Thirty-one days old.

I’m the part of a tree that is not in the sky or under the ground. I can move throughout the day and change shape. What am I?

Its shadow.

Alex P. Vidal, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor-in-chief of two leading daily newspapers in Iloilo, Philippines.—Ed

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The initiative comes in response to flooding that affected 54,906 individuals, according to the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office.

“The recent rains clearly showed how vulnerable the city is,” Treñas said. “We need scientific data to understand whether ongoing or completed infrastructure projects are contributing to the flooding.”

The study, she added, is being undertaken with the full backing of Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan.

“Secretary Bonoan is aware of the initiative and fully supports our effort to conduct this study,” Treñas noted.

The UP team is expected to assess whether DPWH projects have aggravated drainage issues in the city.

Treñas said she had attempted to meet with Iloilo City District Engineer Roy Pacanan to discuss the matter, but the DPWH office had been unavailable.

“We sent a request and were told they were heading to Manila. We tried to reschedule, but they still couldn’t make it,” she said.

The mayor stressed the need for clear coordination between DPWH and the city government, especially in the planning and implementation of flood control projects. She warned that uncoordinated efforts could worsen the city’s vulnerabilities.

“There must be proper consultation with the LGU so we can align plans and ensure solutions are effective. Drainage systems should be connected, not fragmented,” she emphasized.

Treñas also reiterated that she had issued a Cease and Desist Order on certain projects, but clarified that the decision to proceed rests with Engineer Pacanan.

However, she warned that any move to continue against the DPWH secretary’s directive would have consequences.

“Secretary Bonoan has already ordered a halt. If Engineer Pacanan chooses to move forward, that’s his accountability to his superior,” she said.

The city is now awaiting the findings of the UP Diliman team, which are expected to provide a crucial foundation for future flood mitigation planning and infrastructure development. IMT

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The event, organized by the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines (FPOP) together with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), gathered young advocates, health experts, and stakeholders to push for stronger HIV prevention, education, and stigma reduction efforts.

The town hall highlighted a troubling statistic: 50% of new HIV cases in the Philippines involved individuals aged 24 and below.

FPOP Kabataan – Iloilo Chapter president John Cristian Porras emphasized that the numbers reflect real people whose lives are being affected.

“These aren’t just statistics. These are faces, stories, and the lives of people. We are not just at risk — we are ready to lead. But we need to be included meaningfully in prevention, education, testing, and advocacy,” he said.

Despite the availability of free condoms, restrictive policies continue to hinder access—particularly for individuals under 18 who are legally barred from obtaining them without adult consent.

The event also addressed the lack of comprehensive sexuality education in schools, with many institutions failing to teach it properly due to cultural stigma and misconceptions.

“Stigma and outdated policies continue to block effective prevention, and this must change to protect lives,” said Dr. Loyd Norella, Global Con HIV Program manager.

According to FPOP, securing the rights of young people and promoting responsible decision-making is essential in addressing the crisis.

The group stressed the need for accurate and age-appropriate sexual health education to help the youth avoid the risk of contracting HIV.

Many young people, it noted, are unaware of basic preventive measures due to insufficient information and fear of judgment.

The dialogue concluded with a strong call from youth advocates urging the government to declare HIV a public health emergency through an executive order.

Data from the Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Survey revealed that many young Filipinos begin engaging in sexual activity as early as age 14.

Fifteen-year-olds now make up a significant portion of new HIV cases, sparking alarm among health authorities.

As the epidemic spreads not only in Western Visayas but across the country, advocates insist that bold, youth-centered action is needed—now more than ever.IMT

REPORTING by Sophia Alegre, West Visayas State University College of Communication intern; EDITING by Reymar Latoza

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Speaking at the launch of PhilHealth’s Yaman ng Kalusugan Program Para sa Malayo sa Sakit (YAKAP) in Quezon City, Marcos Jr. said services like registration, consultations, and medical records are now available online.

“Ngayon, talagang pinupursige namin na mag-digitalize ang PhilHealth para hindi na kinakamay ang mga registration, ang mga konsultasyon,” he said. “Ngayon ay nagagawa na online. ‘Yung mga registration puwede ng online.”

The President added that digital prescriptions are now issued through QR codes, allowing patients to claim their medicines at any PhilHealth-accredited pharmacy without returning to the hospital.

“Bibigyan kayo ng QR code at ‘yung QR code na ‘yun basta ipakita ninyo doon sa lugar na ‘yun, makukuha niyo na ‘yung gamot.”

Marcos Jr. urged Filipinos to download the eGOV PH Super App, a one-stop platform for accessing government services anytime.

He said these innovations were shaped by lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed gaps in the healthcare system.

The Chief Executive also stressed the need to raise public awareness of PhilHealth’s primary care services under YAKAP and urged government agencies to use their platforms to help more Filipinos benefit.IMT

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In his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 28, Marcos revealed that over six million consumer complaints have been filed due to substandard water service.

“Despite all efforts, we continue to receive complaints that water doesn’t even reach their faucets. Over six million consumers are currently affected. I’ve seen the report,” he said.

In a statement, Treñas, who has long raised concerns about water service issues in Iloilo City, welcomed the President’s statement and saw it as a wake-up call to hold water distributors accountable.

She confirmed that the city has an ongoing Public-Private Partnership (PPP) project with Aboitiz, which is now at the Swiss challenge stage.

“The most important thing is that there will be no monopoly in water service. This project aims to provide sustainable and reliable water supply for Ilonggos,” Treñas said.

Marcos also assured the public that the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) is now taking decisive action against poorly performing water districts and their private partners.

Earlier this year, Treñas summoned Metro Pacific Iloilo Water (MPIW)—the city’s main water distributor—to provide a clear update on their efforts to address mounting complaints from residents.

“We want to hear straight from them what developments and immediate steps they are taking to resolve the issues our people are facing,” she said in a previous statement.

While Treñas acknowledged that MPIW has started major infrastructure projects, she stressed these are still not enough to meet the city’s growing demand.

“MPIW should double time. We cannot afford to wait until 2027 before our people finally feel consistent and sufficient water supply,” she emphasized.IMT

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Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the intensified deportation drive follows the President’s directive to swiftly remove foreigners who threaten national security or public interest.

Most of those deported were Chinese nationals (957), followed by 231 Vietnamese, 41 South Koreans, 41 Malaysians, and 37 Burmese. Many were found illegally working in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) firms despite an existing ban.

“Our strengthened deportation protocols follows the directive of the President to act swiftly and remove foreigners who abuse our people’s hospitality,” said Viado, adding that the BI will continue expediting deportations.

The BI also reported improvements in deportation procedures, including faster case resolutions, coordination with embassies for travel documents, and the opening of a new holding facility for arrested aliens.IMT

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The 2025 Taiwan Tourism Workshop gathered travel agencies, tour operators, and airline representatives from both countries to explore new collaborations, promote Taiwan’s latest tourism offerings, and sustain the momentum of Filipino visits to Taiwan. 

Cindy Chen, Director of the Taiwan Tourism Information Center in Manila and the Taiwan Tourism Administration Bangkok Office, formally opened the event in Iloilo. Wallace Minn-Gan Chow, Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, led the gathering in Cebu.

“The Philippines is one of Taiwan’s most important source markets in Southeast Asia,” said Chen. “I want to express our sincere gratitude to both Taiwanese and Filipino travel agencies and airlines for your invaluable contributions to promoting tourism to Taiwan. Your hard work and dedication are truly making a difference to boost this growth and further enhance  Taiwan’s appeal as a top destination.”

Taiwan welcomed more than 470,000 Filipino travelers in 2024, making the Philippines Taiwan’s largest source of tourists in Southeast Asia and the fifth globally. 

To encourage further growth, the Taiwan Tourism Administration is offering a suite of travel incentives including subsidized group travel programs, company incentive tours, the Lucky Draw campaign, and free pocket WiFi for visitors. 

Filipino travel agencies are encouraged to apply for these programs, with guidance provided by the Taiwan Tourism Information Center in Manila, which opened in December 2024.

On the other hand, Chow praised the workshop’s success and the visa waivers as vital enablers of mutual travel. “Tourism is not just a business. It’s a bridge that connects people across cultures and continents,” he stressed.

Taiwanese visitor arrivals to the Philippines reached approximately 220,000 in 2024. From January to May 2025 alone, over 86,000 arrivals were recorded, placing Taiwan eighth among foreign markets nationwide and fourth in Western Visayas.

With Taiwan reinstating 14-day visa-free entry for Filipinos and the Philippines granting the same to Taiwanese travelers starting July 1, tourism between the two countries is poised for continued growth.

Department of Tourism (DOT-6) Regional Director Crisanta Marlene Rodriguez welcomed the Taiwanese delegation to the “City of Love,” noting Iloilo’s position as a premier tourism hub with multiple daily domestic and international flights.

She underscored the city’s culinary and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) appeal, and expressed optimism for a direct flight between Iloilo and Taiwan in the near future.

“We believe this workshop is a meaningful step forward,” said Rodriguez. “As we look to the future, may our tourism ties ride on waves of wonder and continue to grow stronger through shared experiences, mutual respect, and lasting friendships. Let us bring more visitors to discover the beauty, the warmth, and the vibrant cultures of both our nations.” 

The Cebu leg also drew support from the Department of Tourism Region VII, with Regional Director Judy Gabato, emphasizing the event’s role as a platform for building stronger tourism linkages.

“This workshop not only showcases the collaborative spirit between our two countries, but also highlights the shared commitment to fostering mutual growth in tourism, trade and cultural exchange,” she said.

With over 250 weekly flights between the Philippines and Taiwan and increasing demand for culinary, educational, and outdoor travel, the two countries are set to sustain tourism momentum and unlock new avenues for bilateral exchange.

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“The Philippines views with concern the ongoing conflict between our two fellow ASEAN Member States and urges them to resolve the dispute in accordance with international law and the peaceful settlement of disputes,” said Marcos Jr.

Reaffirming the country’s commitment to ASEAN unity and regional stability, he also offered the Philippines’ support in easing tensions. 

“The Philippines stands ready to assist in any way to restore peace,” the President added.

Clashes along the Thailand-Cambodia border continued Saturday, July 26, leaving over 30 soldiers and civilians dead, dozens wounded, and more than 150,000 people displaced since fighting erupted on July 24.IMT

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Marcos Jr. is set to deliver his SONA today, July 28, at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

“Like many of our kababayans, I am eager to hear how we intend to navigate these difficulties,” Baronda said in a statement Monday. “What steps are being taken? How far have we come?”

She expressed concern over rising tensions in the West Philippine Sea, particularly following reports of a Chinese vessel spotted near Manila Bay.

“[These] are particularly alarming,” the lawmaker said, adding that Filipinos want to hear how the government is responding, especially after Marcos’ recent visit to the U.S.

Baronda also emphasized the importance of inclusive economic growth, calling for stronger efforts to stimulate development outside Metro Manila.

“How can we spur the growth of regional economies and attract more foreign investments to areas outside the National Capital Region – cities like our beloved Iloilo, for example – so that development is more equitably spread?” she asked. “We know that many of our people are in need of employment or better-paying jobs. A robust economy powered by increased investments would greatly contribute to achieving this.”

She urged the administration to prioritize food security by strengthening agriculture and fisheries, and to expand access to specialty hospital services in the provinces.

While she acknowledged improvements in the healthcare sector, Baronda noted that more work is needed, particularly in disaster response and climate resilience.

“President Bongbong Marcos has made important strides on many fronts. We hope to see his administration build on these accomplishments, and we remain committed to working in collaboration for the greater welfare of our people,” she concluded.IMT

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At the top of Defensor’s list is the Jalaur River Multi-Purpose Project (JRMP) II in Calinog, Iloilo—the first large-scale water reservoir in the Visayas and Mindanao, and the National Irrigation Administration’s (NIA) flagship project in the region.

The governor recently made a personal appeal to Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman to increase the project’s budget in the 2026 national budget. He emphasized the urgency of completing the project within President Marcos’ term.

“Mr. President, it would be fitting for this project to be completed under your term because it was your father, President Marcos Sr., who initiated the original Jalaur project,” Defensor said, calling on the President to continue his father’s legacy.

The original JRMP Stage I focused on the rehabilitation of irrigation systems covering 22,340 hectares under Republic Act 2651. JRMP II expands the project’s scope with enhanced water infrastructure for agriculture and water security.

Defensor believes the President will give attention to the project, especially given its historical significance to the Marcos family.

Panay-Guimaras-Negros bridge: A ‘game-changer’

The second project Defensor hopes will be acknowledged in the SONA is the PGN bridge, a long-awaited mega-infrastructure that promises to revolutionize connectivity in Western Visayas.

The governor confirmed that civil works for the Panay-Guimaras section will begin next year, with full construction starting in 2026. The 13-kilometer section will include a 4.84 to 4.97-kilometer sea-crossing bridge, connecting Iloilo and Guimaras, and is slated for completion by June 2028.

While unsure if the PGN bridge will be mentioned in the SONA, Defensor said he remains optimistic.

“Even without being mentioned, we know how important this project is—it’s a game-changer,” he said.

He added that First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos had personally assured him of her support for completing the Panay-Guimaras section.

Progressive groups plan counter-SONA rallies

Meanwhile, not everyone shares the same optimism.

Bayan Panay Secretary General Elmer Forro criticized the Marcos administration, citing the continued hardship of ordinary Filipinos amid soaring prices of basic goods and essential needs. He expressed doubt that the President’s SONA will offer real solutions.

“We expect another list of empty promises,” Forro said.

Progressive groups across Western Visayas plan to stage a State of the People’s Address (SOPA) at 3:00 p.m. today in front of the Iloilo Provincial Capitol. Organizers expect a crowd of 800 to 1,000 participants from various sectors.

Pre-SOPA programs will also be held earlier that day: in front of West Visayas State University in La Paz, and by the transport sector at University of the Philippines Visayas starting at 1:00 p.m.IMT

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