Carmen flood control project to get P25M

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 under the Integrated Coastal Resources Management Project has earmarked P25.5 million for the establishment of the Cantumog-Luyang River Flood Control Structure in Carmen, Cebu.

The river flood control facility, according to DENR-7 Executive Director Isabelo Montejo, will help mitigate risks of flooding and erosion and, most importantly, protect existing homes and businesses against natural hazards.

In a statement, Montejo said the project is part of the commitment of the ICRM Project, which is to provide social and environmental services and facilities to address the basic social services needs of disadvantage coastal communities, and support local governments’ efforts to mitigate coastal pollution and degradation of resources.

The ICRMP is a six-year DENR-led project that started in July 2007.

The DENR leads the implementation of ICRMP through funding from the Asian Development Bank  and the Global Environment Facility supported by other national agencies like Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of the Interior and Local Government, National Economic Development Authority, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Budget and Management in partnership with the local government units.

The project’s overall objective is to enhance coastal resources management and reduce poverty among municipal fisherfolk through the introduction and promotion of sustainable economic livelihood activities, micro-enterprises and resource management practices.

The ground breaking ceremony of the project is set this November 18, 2013 and will be completed in a six-month period, Montejo added.  (FREEMAN)