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The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region XII (DENR XII) with the assistance of the USAID Safe Water Project spearheaded the ceremonial signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA) creating the Management Councils of Buayan-Malungon and Siguel Watershed River Basin on March 29 at Greenleaf Hotel, General Santos City.

The MOA aims to establish a sustainable multi-sectoral institution capable of addressing the protection, conservation, and development of the river basins as well as to direct the convergence of initiatives of the different National Government Agencies (NGAs) and Local Government Units (LGUs) to ensure the ecological integrity of the watershed.

According to City Environment and Natural Resources Officer (City ENRO) Allan D. Marcilla, it is high time to take the step in organizing and strengthening the management council to prevent over extraction of water in the area.

“The creation of the management council will aid in regulating water extraction especially here in General Santos City. We should revisit our past agreements and arrangements and ensure that we all share the responsibility of conserving our river basins”, Marcilla added.

Meanwhile, Municipal Mayor Vic Paul Salarda of Alabel extended his appreciation to the DENR XII and the USAID Protect Water Project for the effort.

“I am thankful for this endeavor because through this, we will have more partners who can help us to strictly implement environmental laws and policies in the area”, he said.

Consistent with the MOA, the NGAs are expected align their resources and intervention to the development and management of the river basins and initiate livelihood projects in its communities and promote eco-friendly practices.

Said ceremonial signing was followed by a Management Council Meeting presided by Conservation and Development Division (CDD) Chief Ali M. Hadjinasser. He highlighted that the DENR has long been pushing for the creation of the management councils and said that he is grateful for the participation of everyone in attendance.

Also present during the MOA signing are Hon. Mayor Salway Sumbo Jr. of Malapatan, NIA Regional Manager Diosdado Rosales, PENRO Sarangani Maria Elvira Lumayag, Provincial ENRO Rolando Tuballes, CENRO Rosalinda B. Cortez and CENRO Abdul Cariga, RBCO For. Gabriel Baute, USAID Team headed by Mr. Olson Ursua, Engr. Gerald Faciol of Sarangani Province, MENROs of Kiamba, Maasim and Malungon, and representatives from the Local Government Units of Alabel and Malapatan, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) , Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD and Department of Agriculture (DA).