Partnership for river basin management forged today

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 is forging a partnership with at least 32 institutions for the creation of the Central Cebu River Basins Management Council.

A memorandum of cooperation will be signed today by the DILG, various national government agencies, local government units, non-government organizations and other stakeholders.

River Basin Control Office executive director Vicente Tuddao, Jr. pointed out five major concerns in Central Cebu River Basins.

These concerns are natural and human-made disaster prevention and response management, water use and supply management, water pollution and waste reduction management, water security and livelihood management, and creation and mobilization of river basin organizations. 

RBCO is an attached agency of DENR.

DENR-7 executive director Maximo O. Dichoso said the partnership is proof that the DENR is serious in the pursuit for an integrated watershed management.

“We are committed to extend the necessary assistance to those who will help us implement it,” Dichoso said.

The agreement said potential water for domestic, industrial and agricultural use is fast becoming scarce amid the increase in salinity in urban aquifers.

It said the present state of river basins, particularly those in central Cebu, calls for immediate rehabilitation, protection and conservation to ensure sustainable water supply. — (FREEMAN)