THE Province of Guimaras and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Western Visayas have forged a partnership for the water classification of Cabano River and ambient air quality monitoring.
The Provincial Government of Guimaras, represented by Governor Samuel T. Gumarin, signed a memorandum of agreement with Dr. Sophie T. Manuel, Ceso V, of DENR-Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)-Western Visayas, on Tuesday, April 2, at StarGazer Inn, San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras.
DENR, through EMB, was mandated through Republic Act 9275, or Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004, and Republic Act 8749, also known as the "Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999," to identify all other measures necessary for the effective control and abatement of air and water pollution and include control strategies and control measures to be undertaken within a specified time period, including cost-effective use of economic incentives, management strategies, collection action, and environmental education and information.
Gumarin said deal is in line with the Province's life-long vision, along with the recently approved Provincial Ordinance 2018-06 known as ICM ordinance of the Province of Guimaras.
"This program is in line with our vision 'Guimaras is the Agri-Tourism Capital of the region with empowered, self-reliant and healthy families enjoying a progressive economy which is anchored on the principles of sustainable development.' We have the Provincial Ordinance 2018-06 known as the Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) of the province with a policy framework that is aligned with international standards which aims to strengthen governance and in addressing aspects of sustainable development specifically pollution reduction and waste management," Gumarin said.
“We have three major watersheds, namely, Sibunag River, Cabano and Mantangingi River, but only the Sibunag River watershed has been classified with the assistance from DENR and now, we have the Cabano river to be classified to know the water quality of the river and how we are going to utilize and protect for the future generation,” he added.
Manuel, for her part, expressed her gratitude to the Province of Guimaras for coming up with the agreement.
"Thank you for coming up of this memorandum of agreement. This is a rare MOA kasi dun sa classification, kasamana ang ambient air at saka ang water classification. Makikita mo talaga na ang commitment ng province for the protection of the environment ay malaki," she said.
The program aims to provide a comprehensive and integrated strategy to prevent and minimize air and water pollution through a multi-sectoral participatory approach involving all the stakeholders. (PR)