ILOILO CITY — A delegation from the Municipal Government of Daraga, Albay, arrived at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol on August 1, 2026, to study the province’s pioneering programs in renewable energy and sustainable tourism. The benchmarking visit underscored Iloilo’s growing reputation as a model for local governments seeking green, economically vibrant futures.
A Model Worth Benchmarking
Mayor Victor U. Perez and Vice Mayor Fleur Jazel Ruiz led the Daraga team, joined by Sangguniang Bayan members and department heads. They were welcomed by Acting Provincial Planning and Development Office Head Mary Rose Matucan on behalf of Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. The exchange aimed to bring home actionable strategies for Daraga’s own development.
The choice of Iloilo was deliberate. The province has earned national recognition for its forward‑thinking policies, particularly in clean energy. Its Energy Efficiency and Conservation Focal Person, Rey Victor A. Garin, presented the Government Energy Management Program and the provincial energy roadmap. The session detailed how Iloilo achieved measurable fuel and electricity savings across government facilities.
Sharing the Energy Blueprint
Garin outlined the mechanics behind Iloilo’s award‑winning I‑PORE ordinance, the country’s first provincial renewable energy law. The legislation mandates a dedicated budget for clean energy initiatives, a model Daraga officials studied closely. He also discussed the integration of solar power in municipal buildings and the push for local energy efficiency plans.
Iloilo’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. The Department of Energy’s Visayas Field Office named Iloilo an Energy Champion after 100 percent of its municipalities submitted Local Efficiency and Conservation Plans. These achievements provided the Daraga team with a concrete, replicable framework for their own transition to renewable power.
Tourism Strategies That Work
Tourism was the second pillar of the learning exchange. Provincial Tourism Officer Bombette Golez Marin presented Iloilo’s community‑based tourism framework, anchored on the #FunFoodieFriendlyIloilo campaign. She highlighted how the province leverages heritage, culinary culture, and eco‑tourism to attract visitors while protecting natural resources.
The presentation covered strategies that Daraga can adapt, from farm‑to‑table culinary trails to eco‑park development. Marin emphasized that tourism success hinges on public‑private partnerships and active community participation. The open forum that followed allowed both sides to exchange ideas on overcoming implementation challenges at the municipal level.
A Two‑Way Exchange
The interactive session enabled Daraga officials to ask practical questions about funding, policy adoption, and stakeholder engagement. Iloilo’s provincial heads shared lessons learned from pilot projects, including setbacks and solutions. The dialogue reflected a shared belief that inter‑LGU cooperation accelerates progress for both parties.
The visit closed with expressions of gratitude and a commitment to keep communication channels open. For Iloilo, the event reaffirmed its status as a living laboratory for good governance. For Daraga, the blueprint now exists to transform their own renewable energy and tourism ambitions into reality.
