MORE THAN just an environmental issue, the growing clamor to preserve Isla Verde from possible removal as part of a flood control project along the Iloilo River is a litmus test of Iloilo City’s true commitment to sustainable development.
The islet, nestled within the Iloilo River and part of Barangay Navais in Mandurriao district, is not merely a clump of earth in the way of infrastructure. It is a thriving ecological sanctuary, a refuge for wildlife, and a living symbol of the city’s harmonious relationship with its riverine system. Its value is not measured in cubic meters of soil, but in biodiversity, cultural memory, and the intangible heritage that binds Ilonggos to their natural environment.
The reported plan to remove Isla Verde sparked swift and vocal opposition from environmental groups and residents. They rallied not only out of sentimentality, but out of concern that sustainability, often preached in public forums, might once again be sacrificed in the name of expedience. The public outcry — expressed both online and in community actions — was a demand for coherence between the city’s environmental rhetoric and its decisions on the ground.
To his credit, Mayor Jerry Treñas responded with openness and resolve. Instead of endorsing the removal of the islet, he called a meeting with key stakeholders — from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH0 and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to scientists and disaster experts — and expressed a preference for dredging around Isla Verde as a potential compromise. This gesture signals a willingness to reconcile infrastructure development with environmental protection.
But the real test begins now.
Sustainable development is not a catchphrase — it is a framework for action that requires integrating ecological preservation, social equity, and economic development. If Iloilo City is to live up to its reputation as a model for inclusive urban growth, it must demonstrate that natural heritage is not an afterthought but a central pillar of planning.
The city government must ensure that any river improvement plan prioritizes transparency, science-based assessments, and inclusive dialogue. Technical solutions must be subjected to rigorous environmental impact evaluations. The public must be given not only a voice, but a seat at the table — especially communities living near or benefiting from Isla Verde’s ecological presence.
Beyond protecting a patch of land, this is about setting a precedent for how Iloilo will face similar decisions in the future. Will the city continue to choose the path of balance, foresight, and ecological respect? Or will it retreat into the tired model of development that sees nature as an obstacle?
