ILOILO — The Iloilo Provincial Government is preparing a P40-million housing initiative to relocate at least 541 households living within the three-meter easement of the Batiano River in Oton, as authorities push forward with a sweeping river rehabilitation and development project aimed at flood mitigation and ecological restoration.
Dubbed the “Purok Resilience Program,” the proposed relocation plan targets underprivileged and vulnerable families residing along flood-prone sections of the river, which is currently undergoing improvement under Governor Arthur Defensor Jr.’s Balik-Batiano River Development Project.
The housing proposal was formally presented by Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) head Retired Police Colonel Cornelio R. Salinas during a “Pulong-pulong” organized by the Oton local government unit at the Oton National High School Training Center on February 24.
Salinas disclosed that the provincial government is ready to earmark P40 million for the construction of housing units that will serve as safer and permanent evacuation spaces, as well as socialized housing for families highly susceptible to flooding.
“Handa nga mag-allot ang provincial government sang P40 million sa pagpatindog sang housing program which aims to provide safer and permanent evacuation spaces and socialized housing to underprivileged and vulnerable families living within the 3-meter easement of the river that are highly susceptible to flooding,” Salinas said.
Initial data show that 541 households are expected to be affected by the river development plan.
Seven Barangays Covered
The Batiano River Development Project spans seven barangays in Oton: Tagbac Sur, Buray, Poblacion West, Poblacion North, San Antonio, San Nicolas, and Alegre.
Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) head Atty. Cesar Emmanuel P. Buyco Jr. also outlined the broader vision of the Balik-Batiano initiative, emphasizing the integration of green-grey infrastructure strategies and the proposed establishment of a Linear Park along the riverbanks.
According to Buyco, the project is designed to feature green-grey infrastructure strategies and a proposed Linear Park that will boost ecotourism, enhance commercial potential, improve flood-control management, and increase property values along the river.
It also aims to restore the river’s cultural and historical importance, strengthen biodiversity and climate resilience, involve local communities and youth in environmental stewardship, and promote sustainable livelihoods and ecotourism to stimulate the local economy while protecting the environment.
From Cleanup Drive to Major Development
The Balik-Batiano River Development Project was first unveiled during a massive cleanup drive in Oton on August 30, 2025, conducted in partnership with RMN DYRI and other stakeholders.
Earlier, Defensor directed barangay officials in the seven affected villages to identify households and structures located within the three-meter easement on both sides of the river — a move seen as a critical step toward enforcing environmental regulations and reducing flood risks.
In January 2026, Defensor released an initial P1,131,648.00 fund to Oton Mayor Sofronio Fusin for the improvement and rehabilitation of the Batiano River./PN
