La Mesa watershed, 9 others most vulnerable to hazards - study

MANILA, Philippines - The La Mesa watershed in Quezon City and nine other watersheds in Luzon and the Visayas, are most vulnerable to natural and man-made hazards.

The Buaya River in Ilocos Sur, Lower Agno River Basin (Cabalisian-Viray subwatershed) in Pangasinan, Pinulot in Bataan/Zambales, Flangyland in Cavite, Lagnas in Quezon province and Yabo-Naga in Camarines Sur are also at risk, according to a study by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (DENR-ERDB) headed by Director Marcial C. Amaro Jr.

The Bago River in Negros Occidental, Daguitan watershed in Leyte and Bito River watershed in Masbate are also prone to hazards, the study said.

The study said the watersheds are exposed to landslides, floods, erosion, forest fires, water pollution, deforestation and biodiversity loss.

The Los Baños-based ERD conducted the study to identify the most frequent hazards occurring in the watersheds, level of vulnerability to such hazards, and possible mitigation measures.

“Watersheds are important sources of water for power, irrigation and domestic purposes,” Dr. Antonio Daño, program leader said.