3 international groups pledge support for environmental summit in Iloilo

ILOILO CITY , Philippines  — At least three international environmental advocacy groups are interested to support the Iloilo City's National Environment Summit this October.

City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said these are Rivers of the World (ROW) Foundation, the Petron Corp, and the Alice Ferguson Foundation (AFF) and Trees for the Future.

The mayor said the New Delhi-based ROW Foundation, a global group dedicated to restoring and protecting rivers and streams worldwide, has committed to provide 50 percent of the funds needed for the summit.

He said that Petron pledged to give the other 50 percent of the P500,000 that the city government would need to host such conference.

Mabilog said the Maryland, USA-based AFF and Trees for the Future has also signified its support.

Environment and sustainable development experts, including Presidential Assistant for Climate Change Elisea Gozon, Gawad Kalinga founder Tony Meloto and "green" urban planner Felino Palafox, Jr.are expected to serve as resource speakers of the summit.

Mabilog said the Iloilo River Development Council and the City Environment and Natural Resources Office will prepare early for the smooth and successful hosting of the summit.