ILOILO CITY - Starting 1 December, Iloilo City will implement a four-month closed fishing season in the Iloilo River to allow fish stocks and river biodiversity to recover.

City Agriculturist Inigo Garingalao said the ban, which will run until 31 March, aims to give the river “room to breathe” and replenish declining fish populations, ultimately improving the livelihoods of fisherfolk who depend on the area.

The measure is mandated under Regulation Ordinance No. 2025-027, or the Iloilo River Closed Fishing Season Ordinance. It covers the 2.7-kilometer stretch of the river from Atty. Cesar M. Drilon Bridge in Lapuz to the Diversion Road Bridge in Mandurriao.

Former city councilor and now Executive Assistant for Agriculture Ely Estante, who authored the ordinance, said the seasonal ban is crucial, especially for species such as bulgan, which require undisturbed spawning periods.

Violators will face escalating penalties. A first offense will be met with a P1,000 fine or community service, a second offense will incur a P2,000 fine or community service, while a third offense will carry a Php5,000 fine along with confiscation of the catch, fishing gear, and even the boat.

The city will implement the ban in coordination with the Iloilo City Police Office, the PNP Maritime Group, and the Philippine Coast Guard. Fishing will still be allowed in other parts of the river that are not included in the restricted zone. The Iloilo River spans no less than 13 kilometers in total.