ILOILO City – Some 300 to 400 anglers who regularly fish along the Iloilo River will be barred from their usual grounds starting December 1, as the Iloilo City Government enforces a four-month closed fishing season to protect the river’s peak spawning months.
The ban, which runs until March 31, 2026, covers the 2.5-kilometer stretch from Drilon Bridge in Muelle Loney to the Diversion Road–UPV Bridge. Officials admit the prohibition will immediately hit hundreds of small-scale fishers who rely on the river for daily food and income.
Executive Assistant for Market and Animal Protection Ely Estante said the city had no choice but to act after scientific assessments confirmed that the river’s most important species reproduce heavily from December to March.
“This is the time when bulgan, maya-maya, tilapia and other fish reproduce. If we keep catching them during their spawning cycle, there will be nothing left for the next season,” Estante said.
He noted that fish catch along the river has already been declining.
“If we don’t give the river a break now, our anglers will eventually have no fish to catch. This is a preventive move,” he added.
City Agriculturist Iñigo Garingalao echoed the concern, stressing the need to balance immediate hardship with long-term sustainability.
“We understand that around 300 to 400 anglers will feel this immediately — but this temporary sacrifice will secure the river’s resources for years to come,” he said.
Garingalao said the city has been holding consultations with river communities to explain the scientific basis of the closed season.
“We want our anglers to understand that this is not meant to take away their livelihood. This is meant to protect it. The river cannot sustain continuous extraction without rest,” he noted.
Patrol teams from the Iloilo City Police Office and barangay tanods will enforce the ban. First-time violators face a P1,000 fine and community service; repeat offenders could lose their fishing gear.
“We cannot afford to be lenient. If one continues to fish, the purpose of the closed season is defeated,” Estante warned.
The city is also eyeing possible assistance programs for those affected.
“We are looking into ways to help them cope. At the end of the day, this is for the revival of the Iloilo River,” Garingalao said.
Estante appealed for understanding, stressing the stakes for future generations.
“This is for our river, our environment, and for future generations. Kung indi naton pag-atipan ang suba subong, indi na ini makabawi,” he said./PN
