LEGANES, ILOILO — A once‑abandoned 10‑hectare fishpond in Barangay Nabitasan has been reborn as a thriving mangrove sanctuary and the province's newest ecotourism destination. Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. inaugurated the Provincial Katunggan Ecological and Economic Park, or ProKEEP, on Tuesday, June 2. The transformation represents a milestone in Iloilo's long‑running coastal restoration and environmental stewardship efforts.
The project started in 2016 under the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office's Katunggan initiative, which aimed to rehabilitate unused fishponds while creating livelihoods. An initial ₱710,000 investment sparked the planting of roughly 100,000 mangrove seedlings, primarily bungalon and pagatpat species. Today, the site hosts 10 mangrove species and has become a recorded habitat for migratory birds.
A New Walkway and a Growing Tourism Vision
ProKEEP is not just a conservation victory; it is being deliberately shaped into a tourist draw. The inauguration unveiled a 37.5‑meter elevated concrete walkway, funded by a ₱2.4‑million allocation from Palm Concepcion Power Corp. under a Department of Energy program. This initial structure allows visitors to walk directly through the flourishing mangrove forest and observe wildlife up close.
Governor Defensor made the province's intentions clear. "Tanum Iloilo is part of our vision to make Iloilo a forest province. And this elevated walkway, we see this as a developing tourism destination," he said. The province plans to expand the facility with an additional walkway, gazebos, benches, a pavilion, and a watchtower. These future amenities will transform a day trip into a comfortable and immersive nature experience, bolstering Iloilo's growing portfolio of eco‑tourist attractions.
A Globally Recognized Model of Stewardship
The project has earned significant recognition, validating its innovative approach to blending conservation with community development. It received the Excellence in Environmental Governance Award during the DILG's EXCELL Awards 2024 and the 2025 Normandy Honor for Peace — with the Earth. These accolades highlight the park's success as a replicable model for environmental recovery.
Dr. Jurgenne Primavera, chief mangrove scientific adviser of the Zoological Society of London, attended the inauguration and offered high praise. She described Leganes as the "heart of mangrove stewardship in the region" and commended the government's commitment. The project's success was built on strong partnerships among the government, local communities, and environmental organizations, she noted, proving the power of collaborative conservation. ProKEEP now stands as a testament to how degraded land can be given a vibrant second life, welcoming both wildlife and eco‑conscious travelers from around the world.
