ILOILO — Rallying academic power behind his crusade for a greener Iloilo, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. on Monday sealed landmark partnerships with West Visayas State University – College of Agriculture and Forestry (WVSU-CAF) and Central Philippine University (CPU) to expand environmental conservation efforts provincewide.
At the provincial capitol, Defensor signed separate agreements that will mobilize universities in two key fronts: upland forest preservation in Maasin and coastal mangrove protection in Anilao and Ajuy.
The deals form part of the Tanum Iloilo for MoRProGRes initiative, anchored on the governor’s ambitious goal of declaring Iloilo a “Forest Province” by 2044.
“We must all come together — government, academia, and the community — to protect our natural resources for future generations,” Defensor said, stressing that the agreements are a call for collective stewardship of Iloilo’s natural wealth.
The MOA with WVSU-CAF will strengthen the Maasin Watershed Forest Reserve through an arboretum, a botanical garden, and a butterfly sanctuary — facilities aimed at biodiversity conservation and ecological education.
Meanwhile, the MOU with CPU paves the way for a Center for Mangrove and Marine Biodiversity Conservation across several barangays, including Sitio Panus-on in Nabitasan, Anilao and Culasi, Ajuy.
“This is where science meets community. Our work with the province ensures that ecological solutions are not only research-driven but also people-centered,” CPU president Dr. Ernest Howard Dagohoy said during the ceremony.
Dr. Joel Araquil Sr. of WVSU-CAF echoed this, saying universities must play a decisive role in shaping a culture of environmental stewardship.
The signing, witnessed by research and environment officials from both universities and the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO), coincided with the 25th Piyesta sa Kakahuyan: Paghanduraw kag Pagpasanyog.
Defensor underscored that the collaborations are more than ceremonial.
“This is about creating a greener, healthier environment and securing Iloilo’s natural wealth for the generations to come,” he said./PN
