BAGUIO CITY (PIA) -- The Watershed and Water Resources Research Development and Extension Center (WWR RDEC) assures the implementation this year of three regularly funded programs to strengthen environmental protection. 

WWRRDEC Center Head Helen Maddumba said they will start Water Balance Estimation project in selected watersheds in Luzon particularly in Sta. Maria Watershed in Region 1, Abulug-Apayao in the Cordillera Administrative Region, and Pinacanauan de Tumauini Watershed in Region 2 under the forest ecosystem   resiliency and sustainability program. 

The research center will also be assessing or determining the vulnerability of sinkholes in Baguio City. According to Maddumba, there are 14 sinkholes in the city earlier determined by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB). She said they are in close coordination with the MGB to discuss the methodology to be used for the project, which is important relative to the environmental l carrying capacity of the city.

The WWRRDEC will also implement the development of early forecasting device model for the early detection of potential bark beetle outbreak in the Benguet pine forests.

"'Pag medyo matanda na ang ating mga Benguet pine, they are susceptible talaga, they are vulnerable sa mga pests and diseases and other stressors. We are developing model to early detect those incidences," said Maddumba.

Aside from these projects, she mentioned two projects funded by the Department of Science and Technology, and in partnership with the concerned local government units. These are the development of ground water recharge facility for drought and for flooding mitigation in Burnham Park in Baguio City, and in La Trinidad, Benguet

The WWRRDEC has also four studies which are supportive to the Water Quality Management Areas namely the Green Buffer Development in Sablan, Benguet; Establishment of Ecological Park Along the Bued River; The Use of Ornamental Bamboos to rehabilitate River Banks; and the Carrying Capacity Assessment of Selected Tourism Sites within Upper Amburayan River.

Maddumba is hopeful that their proposal for the determination of microplastic and sediments to the rivers in urban areas will be approved this year.

WWRRDEC is one of the six research centers of the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, and is located in Loakan, Baguio City. (JDP/Debbie E. Gasingan-PIA CAR)