President Benigno Aquino III is expected to grace the first International River Summit that will be held at the Centennial Hotel, Iloilo City from May 30 to June 1.

In addition, there will be 86 foreign and 761 local and national delegates who have confirmed their attendance to the event.

According to Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, the summit will set the trend for similar gatherings all over the country.

"This is Iloilo City's contribution to the Philippines in terms of tourism advancement, environmental protection and investment promotion," Mabilog said.

He said it will become a yearly event with other local government units in the country hosting it.

"So far there has never been any gathering or summit dedicated to river development that has been conducted in our country or even worldwide," Mabilog noted.

As this is a first for Iloilo City, he hopes that it will create positive impact for tourism and business opportunities.

Summit director Engr. Noel Hechanova, the city's environment and natural resources officer said, a total of 34 speakers, 95 percent of them are foreigners, will present their scientific papers to delegates during the three-day assembly.

International funding agencies and organizations have also been invited to learn more about river initiatives and best practices done for its improvement in various countries.

They will also be treated to a tour of the Iloilo Wetlands and Bird Sanctuary, Iloilo River Esplanade Project and the heritage areas of the metropolis on June 1.

Mabilog said that several road repairs and widening projects are being undertaken in preparation for the event.

PROTEST

On the other hand, partylists like Bayan Panay, Kadamay, Gabriela and Anak Pawis, held a protest against the summit in front of the new Iloilo City Hall building yesterday.

"Cleaning the Iloilo River does not need publicity. Do it with dedication for the development of Iloilo City," said Lean Porquia, Bayan partylist representative.

He added that the P150 million allotted for the river development project is a waste of money if big establishments do not observe proper waste disposal. He lamented that many establishments near the river do not have water treatment facilities.

"Their wastes go directly to the river. They do not recycle it, so many people suffer because of this," he added.

He also hit the City Government for its demolition activities against vendors. "Before, vendors and trisikad drivers were at ease in their respective places. Now, they were displaced and placed in relocation sites at Brgy. Sooc, Mandurriao. They are now experiencing big losses," he added.

"Development of the city starts with us. Help the city as well as our surroundings," he concluded.*ICPIO with reports from Rivi C. Adrias and Kay Ann Marie Abar, WVSU interns