BUTUAN CITY – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region XIII (DENR Caraga) and the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) facilitated the Agusan River Basin Summit with the theme “Constituency Building for Green Development†last September 3-4, 2015 at Almont Inland Resort. The Summit aimed to form an inter-provincial alliance to ensure the coordinated & holistic management of the Agusan River Basin. It was also held in response to the prevailing issues and challenges facing the Agusan River Basin.
Mr. Jose Maria Lorenzo Tan, Vice Chairman of the National Advisory Council of the World Wide Fund Philippines keynoted the event. He discussed the connectedness and interrelationship of the ecosystem especially the river system and effects of the Climate Change. Mr. Tan mentioned that the action fields such as society should have an integrated approach, self-sufficient and inclusive strategy that is sustainably economic and environment-friendly.
Dr. Josefino Bascog of Lichel Technologies, Inc. (LTI) discussed the state of the Agusan River Basin (ARB) and the Midterm Report.While, Ms. Cecilia D. Triño of MinDA presented the proposed organizational structure for the ARB.
Other highlights of the event was the unveiling of the ARBdiorama by Assistant Regional Director Maritess M. Ocampo and Bishop Juan de Dios D. Pueblos, DD and the presentation of the 18 Major River Basins of the country including summary of investments per river basin by RBCO Executive Jacob F. Meimban,Jr., who also congratulated the DENR Regional Office for the success of the 1st River Basin Summit in the Country.