Aklan watershed rehab project chosen as national model
KALIBO, AKLAN -- The rehabilitation project involving the Panakuyan River Watershed in Ibajay, Aklan was chosen as the country's model in the management and development of watersheds, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here.
Derlito Rico, Environment Management Specialist (EMS) of DENR-Aklan said the rehabilitation of the Panakuyan Watershed will definitely start this year, which will be spearheaded by the DENR and the communities in the area in Ibajay composed of seven barangays for the portion in Aklan and seven barangays also for the portion in Pandan, Antique, led by DENR-Antique with the residents of seven barangays.
The rehabilitation and development of Panakuyan Watershed is being prioritized by the DENR and the local government unit of Ibajay through the barangays so enough water will be generated by the river to serve the irrigation needs of farmers as well as the water needs of the residents.
Rico said DENR-Manila was impressed during the characterization phase of the watershed and decided to make the Panakuyan Watershed Management and Development Project a pilot one in the country.
Rico said activities involving the rehabilitation of the watershed depend on the actual situation of the area.
"If some areas are barren, full reforestation will be needed. If denuded, there is also a need to plant trees and assist in the natural regeneration," Rico said.
By natural regeneration, Rico said indigenous species are aided to grow naturally. The DENR is also planning to put up a rattan plantation in the area as a livelihood component of the project. Besides rattan, DENR will also be planting agriculture crops and forestry species in the area.
Presently, the people of Barangays Monlaque, Aparicio, Malindog and nearby barangays in Ibajay are already into nursery operation raising indigenous seedlings for planting in the Panakuyan Watershed.
The DENR said these people were already organized to work on the project soon under a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and have started by raising seedlings in nurseries and later - planting and protecting the area.
Besides the rehabilitation of Panakuyan Watershed, DENR is also zeroing in on the rehabilitation and protection of Nabaoy River in Malay, Aklan.
Nabaoy River supplies the water needs of Boracay Island and its reforestation and rehabilitation is also being prioritized by the DENR. (PIA)