ILOILO City – Mounting public outcry over the reported plan to remove Isla Verde from the Iloilo River has prompted city officials to take a stand for the islet’s preservation, with Mayor Jerry Treñas assuring the public that a sustainable alternative will be pursued to protect the area’s ecological and cultural significance.
Treñas recently convened a high-level meeting with key stakeholders, including the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), environmental scientists, and technical experts, to discuss concerns about Isla Verde’s fate under a proposed river improvement project.
Instead of endorsing the removal of the islet, Treñas reportedly signaled a preference to “dredge around it”—a move aimed at enhancing river flow without harming the natural formation.
“We acknowledge and appreciate the concerns raised by our fellow Ilonggos,” said Joy Fantilaga, spokesperson of the mayor. “Mayor Treñas believes that sustainable solutions can be found, ones that balance infrastructure needs with environmental preservation.”
The public uproar was sparked by reports that Isla Verde, a known sanctuary for wildlife and part of Barangay Nava-Is, might be removed by the DPWH as part of a flood control measure. Environmental groups and local residents have since mobilized online, with platforms such as LpuKids Ibike and Ipaddle amplifying calls to preserve the islet.
“Isla Verde isn’t just land. It’s a living part of the river’s history. It’s not an obstacle — it’s heritage,” a public statement from one group read.
Joining the discussion were officials from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), DENR Region 6, DPWH-6 Assistant Regional Director Al Fruto, mangrove expert Dr. Rex Sadaba from the University of the Philippines Visayas, and disaster risk reduction professionals.
The city government is now coordinating with national agencies to finalize a plan that safeguards the islet’s ecological integrity while addressing the technical needs of river management.
“We hear you. Isla Verde matters,” Fantilaga said./PN
