BAGUIO CITY(PIA) -- Stakeholders from the Cordillera region and Cagayan Valley recently gathered for a training-workshop on the Ecosystem-Based Adaptation (EbA) practices of the Ecosystem-based Adaptation in two River Basins (E2RB) Project to further protect and better manage the Apayao-Abulug River Basin .
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through the River Basin Control Office (RBCO), in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, initiated the training-workshop for the members of the Apayao-Abulug River Basin Management Council.
DENR-CAR Regional Executive Director Paquito Moreno said that the workshop represents a collaborative effort between various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, academe, and local communities, all united by a shared vision of safeguarding the natural resources while promoting equitable and inclusive development.
“Multistakeholder partnerships are crucial to leverage linkages between the DENR priority thrusts and directions, and that of the environmental targets of the local government units, to enhance their effectiveness, and impact, and to accelerate progress in achieving our goals,” Moreno said.
“Today marks the beginning of an important journey towards sustainable development and conservation of the Apayao-Abulug River Basin. As we gather here, we recognize the significance of this watershed area, not only for its ecological richness, but also for its vital role in supporting the livelihoods, well-being, and life of the people in the communities along it,” he said.
Through the interactive sessions, insightful discussions, and hands-on exercises, the different stakeholders will be equipped with the knowledge, tools, and skills necessary to implement effective ecosystem-based plans and initiatives in the Apayao-Abulug River Basin, according to Moreno.
DENR-CAR’s Gladys Palberas presented the Apayao-Abulug River Basin Masterplan while RBCO Deputy Executive Director Nelson Gorospe presented the RBCO mandates, and the Philippine River Basins which include the Apayao-Abulug River Basin as one of the major river basins in the country.
The GIZ team led by Principal Advisor Dr. Klaus Shmitt presented and discussed the ecosystem-based adaptation for flood protection in river basins, and the E2RB Project.
Dr. Robert Guino-o from Siliman University shared insights on integrating EbA in the river basin master plans modelling the Ilog-Hilibangan River Basin Master Plan.
Resource speakers from the local government units of Monkayo, Davao De Oro and Mabinay, Negros Oriental shared their best practices on ecosystem-based adaptation.
Cong. Eleanor Bulut-Begtan, who led the Apayao participants, expressed gratitude to the DENR for the conduct of the activity that is focused on a wholistic approach to prevent environmental degradation and mitigate negative effects on the Apayao-Abulog river basin.
“This workshop is very timely and appropriate because it will help us chart our path to the right direction where our river basin and watershed are adequately protected and sustainably used. This activity will help us recalibrate our projects, programs and activities within the masterplan and help us assess if our plans are still responsive to the times. Additionally, we are glad and thankful that our Apayao-Abulug River Basin has been nominated as an E2RB site in Luzon paving way for more funds and attention to our basin,” Begtang said.
The lawmaker is hopeful that stakeholders from the provinces of Apayao and Cagayan will further protect and better manage the river basin through the adoption of science-based information, and use of advanced technologies. (JDP/RMC- PIA CAR)
