“Biodiversity starts in the distant past and it points toward the future.” – Frans Lanting
For the third time, MORE Power, in partnership with the Iloilo City Agriculture Office, released 1,095 juvenile fish in the historic Iloilo River. It is its continuous bid to promote sustainable aquatic food for the Ilonggos, and part of its contribution to food sustainability and biodiversity of the River.
According to NIEL V. PARCON, Vice President, Corporate Planning and Regulatory of MORE Power, “One of the core values of MORE is all about environmental stewardship, and this is well aligned with one of the core programs of Iloilo City, which is sustainability.”
Rightfully so, the public and the private sector worked hand-in-hand on sustainability programs making Iloilo River the centerpiece of eco-tourism in Iloilo City.
The Iloilo River used reeked of a pungent smell from its tributaries, especially the drainage system. Through the initiatives and programs of former Sen. FRANKLIN M. DRILON and Iloilo City Mayor JERRY P. TREÑAS, it has transformed into an eco-tourism site.
“Iloilo River was dirty. But you know, sometime 15 years ago, the efforts of Mayor TREÑAS and Senator DRILON made Iloilo River one of the spearheading programs for ecotourism in the city. Because at that time, when you have tourist visitors in the city, you don’t know where to entertain your guests. Normally we go to churches, but that is also offered in other cities. And they thought of making the river a centerpiece of that program. So, it’s part of MORE Power’s commitment to be part of that city’s sustainability program,” added Mr. PARCON.
The number of fishes released by MORE Power this year has a deeper meaning within the company. It represents the number of days that MORE has been serving Iloilo City as its sole Power Distribution Utility.
IÑIGO GARINGALAO, OIC of the Iloilo City Agricultural Office, was quoted, “The fish, if you give it away, it’s a symbol of happy marriage and devotion. The marriage of Iloilo City and the devotion of a power company propelled the city to progress. It further symbolizes change as well as fertility. Fish also symbolizes balance, stability, and tranquility. This goes hand in hand with our sustainability needs. This goes hand in hand with the food security and livelihood projects of the Mayor.”
Now in its fourth year serving the Ilonggos, MORE Power vowed to continue its tradition of giving back to the environment what man has taken away from it so that the future generation will continue to benefit from it.