by Irene Joy B. Dayo
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–The Cagayan de Oro River Basin Management Council (CDOBRMC) was finally institutionalized through a memorandum of agreement signed by key agencies, in a program held in celebration of World Water Day 2023, March 22.
The celebration kicked off with a tree-growing activity near Tibasak-Balulang Bridge. It was participated in by different government offices, youth groups, security groups, the private sector, and academe. It was then followed by the signing of the MOA at Duaw Park, this city.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-10 Executive Director Henry A. Adornado said that CDORBMC has been known for the implementation of system-based adaptation strategies like rehabilitation and restoration efforts through lobbying for payment of ecosystem services to local government units and the private sector.
However, he admitted that there is still so much to be done, such as fostering an enabling mechanism or conducting scientific research studies about the Cagayan de Oro river basin so that the policies in disaster and risk management strategies are science-based and therefore more effective.
“The reconstitution of the Cagayan de Oro River Basin Management Council today is a beacon of hope that, despite the challenges we may face, there is strength in numbers and no challenge cannot be hurdled when we are all in this together,” the director said.
Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando A. Uy, through his representative Engr. Armen E. Cuenca also recognized DENR for its assistance to the LGU.
“Ang Cagayan de Oro, naana na siya’y water quality laboratory ug ang nagtabang dinaan ang DENR aron nga dili lamang kami magsalig sa national government pinaagi sa DENR kun dili ang Cagayan de Oro aduna na siya gabas nga mag-monitor sa katubigan dinhi sa dakbayan sa Cagayan de Oro,” Cuenca said.
(With the help of DENR, the City Government already owns a water quality laboratory. This is also for the reason that for the city not to be fully dependent to the national government)
The engineer added that the city government, through CLENRO, is continuously working towards improving its water quality.
Aside from the MOA signing, local government, national government agencies, and other organizations also signified their continuous support and collaboration to CDORBMC by signing a Pledge of Commitment. (IJBD/PIA-10)
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