Iloilo City and UP Visayas Strengthen Collaboration on River Revitalization Project
The Iloilo City Government and the University of the Philippines in the Visayas have officially extended their collaborative research initiative focused on the Iloilo-Batiano River. This renewed partnership underscores a shared commitment to enhancing urban water quality and fostering sustainable river management practices in the region.
Memorandum of Agreement Signing Ceremony
On January 27, 2026, key representatives from both institutions gathered to formalize the extension through a memorandum of agreement. The signing ceremony featured Mayor Raisa Treñas representing Iloilo City, alongside UP Visayas Chancellor Dr. Clement Camposano and City Environment and Natural Resources Office Head EnP. Janis Sy. Additionally, Iloilo City Planning and Development Coordinator EnP. Ronald M. Cartagena was present to witness the event, highlighting the project's significance for urban development.
Project Scope and Objectives
The research project, titled "Revitalizing an Urban River: Stakeholders’ Engagement in Improving the Water Quality of the Iloilo-Batiano River Basin," encompasses a comprehensive study area. It includes the Iloilo-Batiano River and extends to 29 barangays along its stretch, serving as the primary project site for data collection and community engagement.
In its third year, the initiative aims to achieve several critical goals:
- Providing a proof of concept for an integrated, multi-level urban river governance framework.
- Focusing on the continuous co-production of data to support the Iloilo River Development Master Plan.
- Conducting socio-economic monitoring of riverine communities to assess impacts and needs.
- Formulating policy recommendations for institutional river management to ensure long-term sustainability.
Research Presentations and Community Impact
Following the agreement signing, students from the UP Visayas College of Management-Diploma in Urban and Regional Development showcased findings from two related studies. These presentations offered actionable insights that could directly benefit Iloilo City:
- Improving mobility and livability along the Iloilo Sunset Boulevard to enhance urban accessibility.
- Exploring site-planning options for a UPV property in Brgy. Tanza Timawa I to optimize land use and development.
Mayor Raisa Treñas expressed gratitude to the researchers, emphasizing the value of their work. She noted that the timely data, insights, and recommendations provided will guide city decision-making processes, ensuring that governance remains evidence-based and responsive to community needs. This collaboration exemplifies how academic research can inform practical policy and urban planning efforts in the Philippines.
