Researchers from Kagoshima University Department of Environmental Sciences and Technology Dr Shin Ugawa and Ms Rico Hachisuka paid a courtesy visit to Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. on March 15.
With them are professors from the University of the Philippines Visayas Dr Joy Lizada and Dr Reynold Tan from the College of Management and Ms Ruby Napata from the College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences.
The two universities are discussing potential research partnerships in the area of forestry. They sought for the governor’s permission to visit the Bulabog-Putian National Park in Dingle on March 16.
The guests were accompanied by Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office head Atty. Cesar Emmanuelle Buyco, Jr. and Senior Environmental Specialist Mitzi S. Peñaflorida.
They also joined the ribbon-cutting ceremony this morning for the opening of the Water Conservation Month exhibit at the Provincial Capitol lobby.
Governor Defensor said the provincial government is now focusing on localizing water resource management through the implementation of the ridge-to-reef approach which aims to revive Iloilo's forest and coastal resources.
The province launched last year the 4Ks sa Isla Project which targets environmental degradation in uplands to minimize its impact in the coastal areas.
4K stands for Kahublagan para sa Kabukiran, Kapatagan, and Kadagatan. It is a ridge-to-reef approach with activities such as coastal clean-up, tree growing, environmental awareness advocacy campaign, and an information, education, and communication (IEC) campaign.
