ILOILO CITY — The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) is planning a region-wide summit to discuss comprehensive solutions to the flooding problem in Western Visayas.
During a recent interview, Civil Defense and RDRRMC chair Raul Fernandez stated the idea emerged from their visits to areas where local government units have proposed constructing floodwalls and seawalls.
However, he noted that aside from being expensive, these projects are sometimes ineffective and not durable long-term.
“What we’ve learned is that we need an integrated approach, not just engineering solutions. We can combine nature-based methods with technology. We’re looking at a ridge-to-reef solution,” Fernandez explained.
The goal, he said, is to protect highland areas to prevent landslides and flooding.
For coastal regions, instead of relying solely on seawalls, they can also use natural barriers like mangroves.
Fernandez mentioned they will hold a planning meeting to discuss how to organize the summit.
“We’ll sit down and begin planning, checking if our schedule can accommodate it before year-end. Given current circumstances, this is the right time to move forward with urgency,” he added.
Iloilo PDRRM officer Cornelio Salinas also presented the proposed summit during the RDRRMC’s third quarter council meeting.
Salinas said the summit aims to create a comprehensive master plan for flood control where all projects are interconnected.
Learning from flood control projects in Jaro and La Paz districts of Iloilo City and Pavia municipality, they want to determine if main floodways are needed in downstream local government areas.
In a separate interview, Salinas emphasized that establishing flood control projects isn’t just arbitrary but “necessary.”
Salinas added that Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. supports the summit, as he wants to assess whether flood control projects are needed in central and northern Iloilo.
Iloilo City
Iloilo City is a historic port city on Panay Island in the Philippines, known as the “Heart of the Philippines” due to its central location. It flourished in the 19th century as a major sugar export center, which funded the construction of its iconic heritage mansions and buildings. Today, it is a vibrant cultural hub famous for its well-preserved Spanish and American-era architecture, dynamic festivals, and its reputation as a culinary capital.
Western Visayas
Western Visayas is a region in the Philippines known for its vibrant festivals, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage. Historically, it was a significant center of early Philippine civilization and trade, with the arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century leaving a lasting influence on its architecture and traditions. Today, it is famous for the Ati-Atihan Festival and the stunning islands of Boracay and Guimaras.
Jaro
Jaro is a district of Iloilo City in the Philippines, historically known as a separate town before its incorporation into the city. It is famous for the Jaro Cathedral, a national shrine dedicated to Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria, which dates back to the Spanish colonial period. The area is also notable for its well-preserved ancestral houses and as the home of the first and only female Filipino saint, Saint Ezekiel Moreno.
La Paz
La Paz is the administrative capital of Bolivia, founded in 1548 by Spanish conquistadors. Nestled in a canyon high in the Andes, it is renowned for its dramatic elevation, unique cable car system, and vibrant indigenous markets like the Witches’ Market.
Pavia
Pavia is a historic city in northern Italy’s Lombardy region, renowned for its prestigious University of Pavia, which was founded in 1361. The city is also famous for the Certosa di Pavia, a magnificent Renaissance monastery complex located just north of the city, which was commissioned in the 15th century by the Visconti family, the ruling dynasty of Milan.
Iloilo
Iloilo is a province and city on Panay Island in the Philippines, historically known as the “Queen City of the South” for its economic and cultural prominence during the Spanish colonial era due to the sugar trade. It is famous for its well-preserved heritage houses, particularly in the district of Jaro, and its vibrant festivals like the Dinagyang Festival. The city also serves as a gateway to the pristine islands of Gigantes and Guimaras, known for their natural beauty.
