ILOILO City – The city government has tapped the scientific expertise of the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) to anchor its fight against river pollution and strengthen the long-term protection of the Iloilo-Batiano River Basin, a waterway critical to flood control, biodiversity, and the city’s climate resilience.
Mayor Raisa Treñas and UPV chancellor Dr. Clement Camposano on Monday signed a memorandum of agreement to formally launch the partnership, witnessed by UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies (CIDS) executive director Rosalie Alcala-Hall.
Treñas stressed that the collaboration signals the city’s stronger push for science-driven solutions to pressing environmental challenges.
“Through this research and innovation project, we will be able to protect our rivers as part of our responsibility to care for the environment,” she said.
The joint effort will focus on data-based research, innovation, and sustainable management strategies to address water pollution, river rehabilitation, and community awareness.
By drawing from UPV’s strength in marine science and fisheries, the project is expected to deliver practical and lasting measures for restoring the Iloilo-Batiano River Basin.
“It is about ensuring that our rivers, which serve as lifelines for communities, are restored and preserved for future generations,” Treñas added.
The Iloilo-Batiano River Basin has long been at the center of the city’s environmental agenda, with earlier initiatives such as clean-up drives, eco-tourism programs, and partnerships with civic groups.
The new deal with UPV elevates these efforts by embedding scientific research and innovation into the city’s sustainability strategy./PN
