7/31/2019 Paje commends intl river summit initiative

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Paje commends intl river summit initiative

ILOILO City Environment Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje hasurged other local government units to replicate the

initiatives done by Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick E. Mabilog,particularly in giving rise to the 1st Philippine InternationalRiver Summit slated on May 30 to June 1, 2012.

May this summit be a venue for other LGUs to witness,realize, and be encouraged by the example set by the City

of Iloilo, Paje said in a DENR Secretary Paje message, adding that maythis be an inspiration and a motivation for them to start giving attention to therivers in their localities as they pursue economic growth.

He cited that the country is blessed with 421 rivers, with 18 major rivers

considered Priority Rivers because of the deteriorating conditions. Let usmake this summit work for the 18 Priority Rivers that need rehabilitation, hesaid.

With the theme, My River, My Life, the summit embodies Ilonggosaspirations of making Iloilo River a public eye, not only at the heart of this city,but also at the heart of every Filipinos, who continuously feel skeptical andhopeless of our degraded rivers.

Moreover, Iloilo River is home to 22 of the countrys 35 mangrove species.

The summit will showcase various development projects being implemented inthe waterway at the heart of the city including the ongoing multi-millionboulevard construction, dredging and relocation of informal settlers along theriverbank, among others.

It is a testimony and proof that, with political will, strong partnership andcollaboration of LGUs with stakeholders, nothing is impossible to revive whatseems before a hopeless case of highly polluted river, Paje emphasized.

The recognitions for Iloilo River are a manifestation that we the Ilonggosshould take good care of our river. It has given our ancestors life, it is giving us

life, it will give life to our children, and our childrens children. We are blessedto have the abundance of the river. All we have to do is to rehabilitate,preserve and protect it, Mayor Mabilog earlier said.

The three-day conference would highlight global challenges, issues and bestpractices in river management, set amidst the real-life learning laboratory ofthe Iloilo River Rehabilitation Project. The forum will likewise feature the threekey areas of interest including governance; rehabilitation, protection andrestoration; and development.

President Benigno S. Aquino III is expected to deliver a keynote address on the

third day of the summit before an estimated crowd of 1,000 delegates fromthe different parts of the country and abroad.

DENR Regional Executive Director Julian D. Amador will lead delegates fromDENR 6.