ILOILO CITY — Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. signed Executive Order No. 72, Series of 2026, creating a comprehensive program to protect endangered marine wildlife across the province’s 19 coastal municipalities. The move directly addresses concerns raised by the United States National Marine Fisheries Service and strengthens Iloilo’s appeal as a responsible eco‑tourism destination.
Safeguarding Rare Marine Mammals
The U.S. agency had flagged serious gaps in the Philippines’ ability to protect marine mammals during fishing operations. The Irrawaddy dolphin, an endangered species found in Iloilo’s waters, faces particular threat from incidental capture in blue swimming crab harvesting. These assessments prompted the provincial government to take swift, science‑based action.
The new executive order establishes a Marine Wildlife Conservation, Bycatch Monitoring, and Stranding Response Program. Bycatch refers to the accidental capture or injury of marine animals during fishing activities. Stranding covers any event where a marine creature is found ashore, trapped, injured, or dead and unable to return to its habitat unaided.
A Dedicated Task Force for Rapid Response
The order creates a task force headed by the governor himself, with the regional directors of BFAR and DENR, and Provincial Administrator Raul Banias serving as co‑chairpersons. Mayors of all 19 coastal municipalities sit as members, alongside representatives from government agencies, academe, NGOs, and civil society organizations. This multi‑sectoral structure ensures that every stranding or bycatch incident receives swift attention.
A Scientific Advisory Panel composed of experts will provide evidence‑based guidance to the task force. The program also establishes a Marine Wildlife Reporting and Notification System for coordinated documentation of incidents. An Incident Command System will set clear protocols for timely emergency response, while an Information System will serve as the central repository of records and scientific data.
The Provincial Legal Office will oversee the reporting of violations against environmental and fishery laws. This enforcement mechanism adds teeth to the conservation effort, signaling to the tourism sector that Iloilo is serious about protecting its marine assets. The order was signed in the presence of DENR VI OIC Regional Director Atty. Romar Niel V. Pascua, BFAR VI officials, and other key provincial personnel.
Eco‑Tourism Anchored on Marine Life
For Iloilo’s tourism industry, the order is a strategic investment. Marine wildlife, particularly the charismatic Irrawaddy dolphin, draws visitors eager for authentic, nature‑based experiences. By institutionalizing protection and monitoring, the province ensures that future generations of travelers can witness these creatures in their natural habitat.
The 19 coastal municipalities rely heavily on marine resources for both food and livelihood, making sustainable management essential. The program encourages responsible fishing practices that maintain healthy fish stocks and vibrant underwater ecosystems. Tourists who snorkel, dive, or join dolphin‑watching tours benefit directly from these conservation measures.
Iloilo’s broader development blueprint, anchored on the governor’s “MoRProGRes Iloilo” thrust, prioritizes the protection of coastal ecosystems. The executive order reinforces the province’s image as a destination where economic growth and environmental stewardship go hand in hand. Travelers increasingly seek places that demonstrate genuine care for wildlife and habitats.
Setting a Standard for Coastal Governance
Out of the province’s 43 local government units, nearly half are coastal, making marine governance a top provincial priority. The new program fills a critical gap by creating a formal reporting system for marine mammal injuries and deaths. Before this order, no such coordinated mechanism existed.
The comprehensive framework—covering bycatch monitoring, stranding response, and centralized data—sets a benchmark for other coastal provinces. For the tourism sector, it provides assurance that Iloilo is not just a place to visit, but a community actively working to preserve its natural treasures. The Irrawaddy dolphin now has a better chance to thrive, and visitors have one more reason to choose Iloilo.
