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To keep pace with shifting climate realities and conservation demands, the Ilocos Region is revisiting its environmental priorities through targeted sectoral consultations. These dialogues form part of the Midterm Update of the 2023-2028 Regional Development Plan, aiming to refine programs and ensure they remain aligned with emerging regional needs.
During a July 8 session, the Environment and Natural Resources (ENR) Sector Planning Committee reviewed progress, pinpointed areas needing improvement, and explored new strategies for more responsive action. Discussions centered on climate resilience, sustainable resource management, and environmental governance, guided in part by recent findings from the Pulso ng Rehiyon Uno survey.
Findings reveal a clear public push for financial support, transparent leadership, and better access to education—key concerns now shaping the region’s revised strategic direction.
To strengthen data-driven planning, stakeholders from government, local provinces, and the academe were tasked with providing updated figures covering 2021 through mid-2025. These inputs will help fine-tune environmental targets and guide decision-making across key areas such as reforestation, conservation zones, local climate initiatives, renewable energy adoption, and pollution tracking, ensuring alignment with broader national goals and measurable outcomes.
Raquel T. Atawe of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), Ilocos Region’s Project Development, Investment Programming, and Budget Division (PDIPBD) led the consultation, emphasizing the importance of accurate data and community participation in regional planning. “These consultations help us surface real challenges and build strategies that truly work for our communities,” she stated.
(Also read: Citicore Subsidiary Taps Pangasinan for 80-MW Wind Power Expansion)
P305-M funding for agro-industry
Ilocos Norte is also rolling out a major initiative to strengthen agricultural resilience amid growing climate threats. The province plans to build small-scale water impounding structures, farm reservoirs, and solar-powered irrigation systems to help shield farmers from the impact of erratic weather patterns.
Backed by a ₱305-million grant from the Climate Change Commission’s People’s Survival Fund, the project marks Ilocos Norte’s first successful bid for PSF financing. The program, focused on sustainable farming and natural resource management, aims to reduce vulnerability to flooding and other environmental stresses.
“The project is composed of four components to be implemented in five years,” said Hashler Garalde, the provincial government’s focal person for social and environmental safeguards. “The first component is the establishment of a Small Water Impounding Project (SWIP), 30 small farm reservoirs and six solar-powered irrigation projects.”
The second phase of the initiative focuses on upgrading the soil laboratory at Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) to create a comprehensive soil information system. This effort aims to boost crop productivity and long-term sustainability by equipping farmers with data-driven tools for better soil health management.
Additional components include the establishment of an organic fertilizer facility, a tree nursery, and agroforestry projects. The final phase will support the development of a Climate Field School—complete with new infrastructure, modern weather monitoring tools, and digital platforms to help farmers adapt to changing climate conditions.
(Also read: Ilocos Norte Energy Update: Renewables Push & Rural Electrification)
Safeguarding vital watersheds
Watershed protection is essential to protecting both livelihoods and ecosystems, and in the Ilocos Region, efforts are now focused on the Gama-Nayom River Watershed (GNRW).
Spanning more than 21,800 hectares across Pangasinan and Zambales, the GNRW provides irrigation, supports rich biodiversity, and helps shield communities from the impacts of climate change.
Acknowledging its vital role, the Regional Development Council of Ilocos has approved a forward-looking plan to preserve the watershed. This initiative reflects a collective resolve among local stakeholders to ensure the GNRW remains a sustainable resource for future generations.
In its meeting held in Lingayen, the Regional Development Council (RDC) approved a resolution endorsing the Integrated Watershed Management Plan (IWMP) 2025–2049 for implementation by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The long-term plan outlines a collaborative strategy to conserve the GNRW. It prioritizes farmland protection, water resource preservation, climate-resilient land use, and active involvement of local communities in safeguarding the watershed.
The plan is expected to make a meaningful difference for farmers by improving water availability, especially during critical planting and harvesting periods.
By strengthening irrigation and water security, it supports agricultural stability in Pangasinan, helping farmers protect their yields and sustain their way of life amid growing climate pressures.
Sources:
https://pia.gov.ph/ilocos-aligns-climate-conservation-goals-through-data-driven-consultation
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1248144
https://pia.gov.ph/ilocos-region-stakeholders-unite-for-sustainable-management-of-vital-watershed