Running through Iloilo City, the Iloilo River is a source of life, sustenance, and pride. It supports rich biodiversity, including various fish species like the bulgan (sea bass) and managat, while also providing a livelihood for fishermen who rely on the river’s bounty to feed their families. However, as the city government proposes a closed fishing season to allow fish populations to recover and to protect the river’s ecosystem, a question arises: How can we strike a delicate balance between conservation and the economic well-being of those who depend on the river?

The challenge of protecting the Iloilo River. (2024, October 21). Panay News, p. 8.