THE ILOILO Provincial Government’s ambition to transform the province into a “Forest Province” by 2044 is bold and commendable — one that acknowledges the vital role of ecological restoration in building climate resilience, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring a sustainable future. The ceremonial planting of 1,500 seedlings in Sitio Iday, Barangay Pangilihan, Janiuay, during the recent Arbor Day celebration, was a powerful symbol of this mission. Multiplied across 42 municipalities, one component city, and 1,721 barangays, the effort represents thousands of trees planted in a single day.
But how many of these trees will survive?
This is not a cynical question — it is a responsible one. For too long, tree-planting activities have been reduced to feel-good photo opportunities. Without a system to monitor tree survival, well-meaning campaigns risk becoming superficial, with seedlings dying silently in neglected corners of land — out of sight, out of mind.
If Iloilo is truly serious about becoming a Forest Province by 2044, then the survival of every seedling must count. This is why we urge the provincial government, local government units (LGUs), and their partners to implement a province-wide tree survival tracking system. This could include digital tools for community-based monitoring, annual assessments by municipal environment officers, and publicly accessible dashboards showing survival rates per municipality or barangay. Transparency breeds accountability — and even encourages healthy competition.
Beyond systems, people matter. Involving local schools, youth groups, and civil society organizations in the long-term care of trees can foster a culture of environmental stewardship that extends far beyond Arbor Day. A tree’s true value is not in the planting, but in the years it stands — offering shade, absorbing carbon, supporting wildlife, and reminding us of the quiet work of sustainability.
And yes, to ensure long-term success, LGUs must move from ceremonial acts to institutional commitment. Environmental sustainability should be hardwired into local governance — through dedicated budgets for tree care, integration of green infrastructure in development planning, and ordinances that protect both planted and naturally regenerating trees.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.’s “Tanum Iloilo for MoRProGres” program already lays the groundwork. What it needs now is the machinery to measure outcomes and enforce follow-through. Let us not reach 2044 only to realize that what we planted in 2025 was not nurtured into reality.
The goal of a greener Iloilo is not just achievable — it is within reach. But only if we commit not just to plant, but to protect, to track, and to sustain. The future forest of Iloilo depends not on what we do once a year, but on what we do every day afterward.
