A province-wide cleanup drive, environmental education campaign and energy conservation activities will headline Iloilo’s observance of National Environmental Awareness Month this November.
The Iloilo Provincial Government launched its month-long activities on Monday, Nov. 9, with Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. leading the unveiling of a marker identifying the molave (Vitex parviflora) as one of 12 native tree species growing within the Provincial Capitol Complex.
The unveiling followed the regular flag ceremony, alongside the opening of two exhibits at the Capitol lobby: the Circular Economy Week Exhibit and the Very Strong El Niño Month-long Exhibit. Both will be open to the public until Nov. 30.
The Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) is also spearheading a simultaneous province-wide cleanup drive under the “Limpyo Iloilo” program.
It is conducting “Hutik sa Kabukiran,” an environmental information campaign that brings ecological education to schools and communities. Discussions cover biodiversity, wildlife conservation, waste management, water conservation and watershed protection.
The Provincial Solid Waste Management Board is scheduled to meet on Nov. 25 to discuss environmental programs, projects and emerging concerns affecting the province.
A day later, the provincial government will hold the Gawad Probinsya sa Palibot 2026 to recognize local government units for their environmental governance initiatives and sustainable practices.
Public participation will also be encouraged through a Reels Contest and the Green Minds Challenge quiz bee.
As part of its energy conservation campaign, the provincial government is calling on government offices, local government units, institutions and private establishments to observe a daily “Lights Off Hour” from noon to 1 p.m. on Nov. 16 to 20.
Non-essential lights will be switched off during the designated hour.
November is observed as National Environmental Awareness Month under Republic Act No. 9512, or the National Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008.
In Iloilo, the observance is institutionalized through Provincial Ordinance No. 2026-354, which designates November as Provincial Environmental Awareness Month and the third week of the month as Global Warming and Climate Change Consciousness Week.IMT
