Defensor backs Iloilo-Guimaras Bioregion project

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Sr, yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding with other stakeholders in support of the Iloilo-Guimaras Bioregion project.

Others who signed the MOA were representatives of the DILG-6, DENR-6, Metro Iloilo Guimaras Economic Development Council, Canadian Urban Institute and Tigum-Aganan Watershed Management Board, as they committed to work together to address environmental, disaster management, and economic challenges of the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Bioregion.

The signing of the MOU was done at the Governor's Office Boardroom to formalize the partnership for the project, which is aimed at advancing sustainable economic growth and development in Western Visayas particularly in the Metro Iloilo-Guimaras Bioregion.

Signatories of the MOU, which will be in effect until March 2013, have agreed to collaborate in the development of the following: (1) the Tigum-Aganan State of the Watershed Report to raise awareness of the environmental issues and metrics within the bio-region; (2) Tigum-Aganan watershed management strategy to promote conservation and restoration efforts, guide land development, limit urban sprawl, preserve food lands, improve access to clean water, and advance sustainable local economic development within the MIG Bioregion; and (3) the MIG Bioregion Disaster Management Strategy to strengthen the region's disaster preparedness, response, and mitigation measures in the context of climate change adaptation.

This aims to improve equity of access by citizens and communities (women, men, and youth) in the MIG Bioregion to local government planning and decision making; to build the skills of local governments, civil society and private sector groups in watershed/bioregion planning and management, public administration, and governance, disaster risk management, and local economic development. (FREEMAN)