ILOILO City has taken a decisive step toward environmental protection by approving a landmark ordinance that establishes a mandatory 100-meter coastal greenbelt zone (CGZ) and prohibits all coastal reclamation projects within protected areas. The measure, considered one of Iloilo City's most significant environmental initiatives, aims to strengthen climate resilience while safeguarding its remaining mangrove forests for future generations. The coast and mangroves serve as a natural defense system for Iloilo, a coastal city and province exposed to storm surges, sea level rise and coastal erosion.
I was in Iloilo City last April and saw, for the first time since my last visit in the late 1990s, its efforts towards greening its roads, highways, and waterways. The Iloilo River Esplanade, lined with mangroves on both sides, has transformed what was a flood-control dike into a eco-tourism and athletic lifestyle hub. The linear parks had walkways, bike and jogging paths, a paved skateboard park, playgrounds, and chic cafes and restaurants. There was a little something for everyone of all ages and budgets, with the best features available for free — wide open spaces, greenery for shade, a clean and river, and the sunset. There were lookout points that opened through mangroves, but kept them undisturbed. It’s no wonder this project, designed by landscape architect Paulo Alcazaren has won several awards locally and internationally.
Mangrove forests are important to coastal communities because they protect shorelines and provide breeding grounds for fish and other marine life. Mangroves are crucial to supporting local fisheries and the livelihoods of coastal residents. They also store carbon, making them an important ally in addressing climate change.
In the Philippines, we have seen plans for traditional “gray” infrastructure, such as dams, seawalls and drainage systems presented as default flood control projects. Many of them have remaining plans and wishes. While these are important, they are no longer enough. Nature-based "green" solutions and water-centered "blue" strategies have repeatedly shown that protecting ecosystems can be just as effective, and more sustainable and cost-efficient in reducing disaster risks. Rather than treating nature and infrastructure as opposing choices, communities should embrace an integrated approach that combines green, blue, and gray solutions. Investing in this balance is not just an environmental responsibility; it is a practical way to build safer, more resilient communities capable of withstanding floods, landslides, and the growing threats posed by climate change. And in Iloilo’s case it is also a means to attract tourists and economic growth.
Bataan province was the first to pass an ordinance establishing an network of Coastal Greenbelt Zones within nine municipalities in 2025. It protects over 260 hectares of existing mangrove forests and over 250 ha of mangrove restoration sites. The provincial government worked closely with the DENR through its flagship program Project Transform assisting local governments to be disaster and climate resilient, rather than just disaster responsive. There are almost 20 areas in the Philippines that established their local coastal greenbelts since 2022, mostly in the Visayas. But only Iloilo City has officially banned coastal reclamation entirely.
Iloilo’s passage of the ordinance that protects its coastal greenbelt within 100 meters has been praised and supported, but it also sparked criticism for its total ban on coastal reclamation. Critics argue that this ban limits investments, reduces opportunities for expansion, and could hinder economic growth. There are developers and politicians that see reclamation as a means to attain the modern city status symbols of casinos, skyscrapers, condos and malls. These add to business and tax revenue, yes. But planners and decision makers must always look beneath the surface of these new cities in reclaimed land. When mangrove forests are cleared, habitats disappear and the coastline’s natural ability to absorb storm surges and reduce flooding is weakened. And for an archipelagic country that is in the Pacific Ring of Fire and the Pacific typhoon belt, we are not only hit by over 20 tropical cyclones per year but also threatened frequently by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. We sure can benefit from the protection of mangrove forests along our coast lines. Iloilo City seems to know these risks all too well and sees mangroves as essential infrastructure.
As I am writing this, we are monitoring the approach of Typhoon Inday. Although it may not directly hit the Philippines, the typhoon's strength and range may still affect the country, especially if it interacts with the southwest monsoon, or "habagat." As climate and disaster risks intensify, our government continues to face tough choices on how to build resilience while sustaining growth.
