ILOILO — The banks of the Iloilo River buzzed with quiet concentration and shared excitement last weekend. From August 15 to 16, 2026, around 250 anglers from across Western Visayas and the Negros Island Region gathered for the RMN & Councilor Mandrie Malabor Fishing Competition.
A Different Kind of Competition
This was not a race against time but a test of patience and skill. The event, organized with support from the Office of the City Agriculturist, aimed to celebrate the river's resources while promoting responsible recreation. It brought together seasoned fishermen and curious hobbyists, all drawn by the allure of the catch.
The atmosphere was one of camaraderie rather than pure rivalry. Families lined the esplanade, offering encouragement and sharing stories. For many, it was a chance to reconnect with a waterway that has long been central to the city's identity.
Silent Champions of the Water
After two days of patient waiting, the winners emerged. Loreto Castro, 60, from San Miguel, Iloilo, took first place after hooking a 715-gram managat (mangrove red snapper). His catch earned him a ₱5,000 cash prize and a brand-new fishing rod.
Second place went to Reynaldo Sioting, 72, from Veterans Village. He reeled in a 665-gram inid (mangrove jack), winning ₱3,000. His early catch also bagged him the "First Catch Winner" bonus of ₱2,000. Josteñano Cantor of Brgy. Cochero, Molo, secured third with a 435-gram fish, earning ₱2,000. Ten other lucky anglers also won 5 kilograms of rice each in a raffle.
The River's Remarkable Comeback
The presence of healthy predatory species like the managat and inid is a powerful sign. For years, the Iloilo River suffered from pollution and illegal structures. Major rehabilitation efforts have since transformed the 26-kilometer estuarine inlet.
Catching fish weighing over 600 grams here is now proof of restored water quality and thriving mangrove habitats. The competition itself serves as a living celebration of this environmental victory. It proves that urban rivers can bounce back with dedicated care.
Fishing for the Future
The event did more than just award prizes. It highlighted the river as a valuable eco-tourism asset for Iloilo City. By promoting fishing as a recreational activity, organizers are encouraging a new generation of river stewards.
The competition reinforces the bond between the community and its most important waterway. It shows that environmental conservation and community enjoyment can go hand in hand. The Iloilo River is not just recovering; it is becoming a source of pride and joy once again.
