The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga Regional Office in collaboration with the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDa) held first ever River Basin Summit in the Philippines on September 3-4, 2015 at Almont Inland Resort, Butuan City.
The summit focused on the Agusan River Basin which is considered as the third largest River Basin in the country with a total drainage areaof 11,936.55 km2 and 350 kilometers river length. It originated from the mountains of Pantukan in Compostella Valley traversing northward all the way to the Butuan Bay at Butuan City, Agusan del Norte.
“I am very much impressed about this very first River Basin Summit in the Country and this group has already set a high standard for the other river basin summits to follow” Exsecutive Director of the DENR Central Office River Basin Control Office Jacob F. Meimban, Jr. said.
“The summit aims to popularize and create the Agusan River Basin Master Plan. One significant output of the summit is the creation of the official ARB Organization headed by Bishop Juan de Dios D. Pueblos. This is a good start in putting into realization the plans for the basin”, head of the Agusan River Basin Technical Working Group, Forester Maritess M. Ocampo said.
A Total of 220 participants from Regions X, XI and XIII graced the event bringing with them the hopes of finally succeeding with the finalization of the Agusan River Basin Master Plan.
The Guest during the event include the Vice Chairman of the National Advisory Council World Wide Fund Philippines, Mr. Jose Maria Lorenzo Tan, Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Luwalhati R. Antonino, DENR Caraga Regional Director Nonito M. Tamayo, Agusan del Norte Governor Ma. Angelica Resedell Amante-Matba, and RBCO Executive Director Jacob F. Meimban Jr.
“If I base it on numbers, I coud clearly see the succeed of our goals for the Agusan River Basin” Director Tamayo said.
“This event is very timely as we face the challenges brought by climate change. I would like to congratulate everyone for being a part of an advocacy that is worth your time” he said.
by: Maria Catherine M. Gonzaga