BAGUIO CITY (PIA) – – A comprehensive study on the Bued River Watershed can help the local governments of Baguio City, Itogon, and Tuba in the crafting of an Integrated Watershed Management Plan for said watershed.
A University of the Cordilleras research team headed by Engineer Nathaniel Vincent Lubrica led the ceremonial turnover of Project DANUM(Decision Support and Nurturing Management of Watersheds) to the three LGUs and other partners last May 30 at the DENR-CAR Training Center here.
A research and development project funded by the Department of Science and Technology – National Research Center of the Philippines (DOST – NRCP), Project DANUM aims to provide communities, LGUs, and line agencies technology-enhanced information and decision support systems to conserve and protect the rivers and watersheds of the Cordilleras. It is a spatio – temporal study where data collected cuts across time and spaces and include historical data, physical characteristics, soil study and socio -demographic information, among others that could help ensure water security for mountain communities in the region.
Lubrica shared that among the project accomplishments include publications, patents, partnership with four regional line agencies, four LGUs and two institutions; policies; products (maps, IEC materials, operations manual), and capacity building activities.
Also present during the ceremonial turn-over were DOST – CAR Regional Director Dr. Nancy Bantog and Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Cordillera Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Benjamin Ventura.
DOST – CAR Regional Director Dr. Nancy Bantog Bantog outlined the importance of such R&D project in the protection and preservation of the environment and the watersheds, which Cordillera is known for. She also calls for the continuing commitment of every stakeholder in the protection of the Bued watershed.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Cordillera Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Benjamin Ventura also highlighted the importance of Project DANUM to the region, being the watershed cradle of the North supplying water to nearby regions for domestic, irrigation, recreation use.
“The R&D project will enhance information and decision support system to LGUs and the national government to conserve and protect the Bued River watersheds,” Ventura said.
“It is also very timely as we are embarking on the preparation of the Integrated Watershed Management plan for the said watershed,” he added. **JDP/CCD/PIA CAR
