In a significant move towards sustainability, the Iloilo City Government hosted its Eco Forum, “People, Parks, Pavements, and Palate,” on Friday, September 6, 2024, at SM City Iloilo.
This is to solidify the city’s position as a leader in sustainable urban development, with over 250 stakeholders in attendance, including architecture and engineering students from Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U) and University of San Augustin (USA).
Neil Solomon Locsin, Chairperson of the Negros Occidental Historical Council, discussed sustainable tourism, heritage parks, and public spaces. He emphasized the importance of cultural ecology and local culture in sustainable development.
“New processes taking shape cannot always fit into frameworks imported from outside; it needs to be based on the local culture itself,” Locsin stated.
He highlighted the concept of place-making and the things to consider, which involves community participation in heritage programs and ensuring that government initiatives are accessible and responsive to community needs.
“Community knows best… In developing a sustainable city, it is always important to ask the community how they feel about the place and how they respond to different constructions and developments,” he added.
Roxanne Yap, Supervising Economic Development Specialist of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) VI, tackled sustainable transport, green sidewalks, and active mobility.
The environmental planner highlighted the city’s pioneering use of electric bikes and buses, as well as the growing acceptance of cyclists, which has led to more investments in bike infrastructure.
Yap emphasized the need for proper planning and regional road safety workshops to enhance road safety for all users.
Other topics such as food industry innovations, green building innovations, customer service, and waste management were discussed by Gian Carlo Luna, Hotel Manager at Park Inn by Radisson Iloilo, and Engr. Liza Silerio, Program Director of SM Environment and Sustainability.
The event ended with a discussion featuring Hans Sy, Jr., president of SM Engineering and Design Development, who offered valuable insights into sustainable urban planning and development. The rehabilitation of the central and terminal markets was also discussed. (Janelle Marie Belarde/PIO-GIP)
