Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. received the ‘Normandy Honor for Peace – with the Earth’ award in recognition of the provincial government’s Fishery Law Enforcement Program which aims to protect the marine resources and ensure food security in the province.
The recognition was given by the Normandy Chair for Peace, Gratitude of the People, International Council for Environmental Law (Madrid and New York), Institute for Governance and Sustainable Development, and the University of Hawaii Environmental Law Program.
Chair Leader and staunch environmentalist Atty. Antonio Oposa spearheaded the giving of certificates during the Recognition Program of Good Stories in the Province of Iloilo on March 5, 2025 at the Casa Real de Iloilo Grand Social Hall. Accepting the recognition on behalf of Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. are Provincial Administrator Raul Banias and Executive Assistant Ma. Celerina Marmel M. Caldera.
Governor Defensor was recognized for his “selfless service to the Ilonggos and unparalleled concern to the environment” under his mantra MoRProGRes Iloilo, which is “a testimony that upholds the very essence of leadership.”
Under the Fishery Law Enforcement Program, the provincial government allocates funds to strengthen the operation of the Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force. The province has also downloaded funds to various municipalities to boost their law enforcement strategies such as the purchase of patrol boats.
Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Ildefonso Toledo also received similar citation for the Establishment of Climate Field School program. Dr. Toledo, who is also an educator, developed the curriculum for the first Climate Field School for Farmers in the Philippines. The Climate Field School is an innovative climate change adaptation strategy using climate forecast for science-based farming practices.
It was institutionalized in the province of Iloilo through Provincial Ordinance 2019-202 in September 2019. Under the program, the provincial government has allocated P1 million to capacitate Agri-Fisheries Extension Workers (AEWs) and farmers through a season-long training.
The Normandy Honor for Peace recognizes movements and inspiring initiatives that address environmental issues and promote sustainable growth.
The other awardees are:
• Save Pan de Azucar Movement
• Regional Inter-Agency Task Force
• Barangay Barosbos Marine Protected Area Project (Carles)
• Leganes Katunggan Eco-Park
• Ajuy Coastal Resources Management Program
• Anilao Coral Garden
• San Joaquin MPAs
• Katunggan: Coastal Greenbelt for BioCoCo Protection Project (Coastal Greenbelt for Biodiversity Conservation and Coastal Protection)
• Iloilo River Rehabilitation
• Iloilo City Bike Lane Ordinance
#morprogresiloilo