ILOILO City’s decision to declare a three-month fishing moratorium in the Iloilo River is rooted in science and driven by good intentions. Giving bulgan and other native species the time and space to spawn is undeniably beneficial. But if Iloilo wants a river that truly comes back to life — ecologically, economically, and socially — the moratorium must be only the first step, not the entire plan.
Other cities have walked this path before us. Some succeeded spectacularly. And their lessons point to one unavoidable truth: real river rehabilitation requires ambition, political courage, and a whole-of-government approach — not isolated, seasonal interventions.
For decades, Pasig River was a cautionary tale of environmental failure — a waterway declared “biologically dead.” Yet in recent years, large stretches of it have shown new signs of recovery, thanks to a multi-agency effort involving the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Interior and Local Government, Metro Manila Development Authority, local government units, and strong private-sector participation.
The rehabilitation did not depend on bans alone. It involved clearing informal settlements humanely, relocating families with adequate support, dredging strategic areas, regulating commercial polluters, enforcing stringent waste disposal rules, and mobilizing thousands of volunteers for continuous riverbank monitoring.
Lesson for Iloilo: A fishing moratorium helps, but without a strong enforcement framework, solid-waste control, and agency cooperation, the Iloilo River will never reach its full ecological potential.
Singapore’s river cleanup remains one of the world’s most celebrated success stories. What many forget is that it took a decade-long, government-wide offensive that included sewer connections for all households, relocation of riverbank industries, strict regulation of boat traffic, intensive dredging, and unrelenting public education.
The result? A once-polluted river is now a thriving commercial and cultural jewel.
Lesson for Iloilo: Beautification — like esplanades and walkways — is never enough. Singapore succeeded because the government upgraded sewage systems, enforced compliance across sectors, and paired urban development with firm environmental protection.
Seoul’s restoration of the Cheonggyecheon stream — which involved dismantling an elevated highway — remains one of the boldest urban ecological projects ever attempted. The city reclaimed a buried river, created new public spaces, reduced heat in surrounding districts, and revived biodiversity. And it happened because leaders envisioned a river not as a passive waterway but as a backbone of urban renewal.
Lesson for Iloilo: Creativity and courage matter. If Iloilo treats its river as a centrepiece of climate resilience and urban identity, not merely a scenic accessory, it can achieve transformative results.
So what’s the way forward for Iloilo?
The fishing moratorium is noble, but it will not fix sewage outflows. It will not stop plastic from choking tributaries. It will not restore mangroves, remove encroachments, or control unplanned development around the riverbanks.
To match the world’s most successful river recoveries, Iloilo must adopt a more ambitious model. Why not form a unified “river authority” involving concerned government agencies? Upgrade sewage systems and require ALL riverside establishments to comply with wastewater standards. Restore mangrove belts and expand natural habitats, not just promenades and parks. Enforce a strict zoning that prioritizes ecological integrity over commercial pressure. Implement continuous monitoring, not seasonal interventions.
A three-month pause on fishing may help the bulgan spawn. But a bold, coordinated program will help the entire river — and the city — thrive.
