Even with the rain over the weekend, MORE Power and the City Agriculture Office made no delay in their efforts to enhance the Iloilo River, releasing 1,500 high-value fish fingerlings. This initiative is part of MORE Power’s ongoing commitment to sustainable environmental advocacy and community engagement in Iloilo City.
The fingerlings, locally known as “Bulgan” or commonly referred to as Sea Bass, were released as part of efforts to rejuvenate the river’s biodiversity. This initiative received praise from local fishing enthusiasts, many of whom engage in long-line fishing as a hobby and a means to provide for their families.
““Good eh maayo na kay kami man na maka benefit kay kami gapamunit. Kung magdagku ma guwa man na gyapun sa baybay, ang diri matiner, oportunidad na ina namon kung pwede makuha na,” shared Carmelo Clemente, a local fisherman, expressing his appreciation for the project.
Once considered dirty, toxic, and foul-smelling, the Iloilo River has undergone years of reform and strict environmental law enforcement, leading to significant improvements. The efforts are now beginning to bear fruit, benefiting the current generation of Ilonggos.
The City Agriculture Office emphasized the need for a sustainable program to maintain the river’s health, stressing that such a goal is only achievable with the active participation of the private sector.
“Ining gina buya naton para man sa sustainability kag biodiversity sang Iloilo River. Para man sa programa ni Mayor Trenas kag mabalik naton ang sigla sang Iloilo River. Importante gid na katama sa taga syudad especially sa nagapangabuhi diri sa suba. Nga sige ila nga panguhaon sa mga isda nga malahalon man na siya kag nami nga ma ano sa residente natun sa Syudad,” said Bernard Rendaje from the Fisheries Sector of the City Agriculture Office.
The City Agriculture Office also appeals to the public to catch only mature fish and to release those that are spawning to ensure the river’s ongoing vitality.
This project is made possible through a partnership with RMN Iloilo.
