The Iloilo Provincial Government has set its sights on turning the province into a “Forest Province” by 2044, bringing together environmental advocates, civic groups, and community leaders in a unified push for large-scale reforestation.
The commitment took center stage at the Stakeholders Summit Towards a Forest Province held on October 6, 2025, at the Grand Xing Imperial Hotel in Iloilo City.
The gathering brought together representatives from both the public and private sectors to align efforts under the province’s flagship program, Tanum Iloilo for MoRProGRes (Movement for Resilient, Progressive, and Green Sustainable Iloilo), led by Governor Arthur Defensor Jr.
Anchored on Executive Order No. 195, Series of 2024, Tanum Iloilo for MoRProGRes seeks to restore degraded forestlands, rehabilitate watersheds, and utilize idle public and private lands to boost climate resilience and sustainable food production.
According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 6, Iloilo currently has 471,940 hectares of forest cover — 357,857 hectares classified as forestlands and 114,083 hectares as alienable and disposable areas.
To monitor progress, the province will soon launch a MoRProGRes Forest Map, which will identify priority reforestation and rehabilitation zones.
Governor Defensor called the initiative a “generational project” that demands continuity, community participation, and strong political will.
“We set the direction now, and we need your support and commitment,” Defensor said. “We want to do our share in taking care of our natural environment.”
He added that the provincial government aims to intensify tree-growing activities, focusing on fruit-bearing and high-value crop species to merge ecological protection with local livelihood gains.
Stakeholders at the summit signed a pledge of commitment to strengthen the Tanum Iloilo for MoRProGRes program and advance the province’s green transformation agenda.
Provincial Administrator Raul Banias underscored that environmental protection must become part of every institution’s operational culture.
“We must weave the success of Tanum Iloilo into the fabric of every single organization in this room,” Banias said. “We must treat our forests not just as land, but as our life support system — our economic future and our legacy.”
The summit also coincided with the 25th anniversary of Piyesta sa Kakahuyan, an annual celebration honoring trees, watersheds, and collective community action in promoting climate resilience.
As Iloilo moves toward 2044, provincial leaders say the “Forest Province” vision represents more than an environmental goal — it is a pledge to future generations to keep Iloilo green, thriving, and sustainable.IMT
