The Integrated Water Resources  Management Council in  Negros  Oriental  has  identified areas to be  included  in  the  Ilog-Hilabangan Watershed pilot project in the province.

Environment and Natural Resources  Management Division chief,  Mercry Teves,  said they need  to identify  the specific  local government  units  included in the project.

Teves said  the LGU’s included in the pilot project are Bayawan City, Bindoy, Tayasan, Ayungon, Manjuyod and Mabinay.  The  Ilog-Hilabangan  river  was identified as the  pilot project  for IWRM  because  it  traverses  the  areas  of Negros Oriental and the Occidental side.

The Islandwide IWRM Council was created to address the water resources concern of both provinces.

Teves said the project encourages  local  government  concerns  to  participate in the  tree  growing  activity  in their  area,  that  is part of  the pilot project.  The Islandwide IWRM Council will allocate some amount for the project with a counterpart from the local government units.  

She  said  they  have to be part of  the  project so  that  they  would  understand the purpose of  the project. Although  majority of  the areas  of the Ilog-Hilabangan  river  is  in Negros Occidental  side, it would  still  benefit  the province  by  improving  the forest cover.

All local  government  units  concerned  have  agreed  to  support  and cooperate  . They  are  hoping to start  the  tree  growing  activity  in  every  LGU  not  later  than  the first  quarter, Teves said.

 Bayawan City  is  among  the first LGU’s   to accomplish the  tree-growing  in identified pilot  areas. The  local government  is  also authorized    to hire a forest guard  or personnel  to ensure  that  the  planted seedlings will survive.

Teves said  they  hope   the pilot project  will prosper  since  the Islandwide IWRM council is targeted  to  rehabilitate the watersheds and six major rivers  in  the  island.*MA

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