BAGUIO CITY (PIA) -- The Environmental Management Bureau – Cordillera recognized its partners in the water quality management of rivers in the Cordillera region.

“It’s high time that we recognize those who work behind the scenes and those who have toiled extraordinary hours who may not even receive a simple pat on the back, now, allow us in the Department to bring you to the spotlight for uplifting environmental integrity,” Department of Environment and Natural Resources- Undersecretary Atty. Juan Miguel Cuna said in the message read by DENR-CAR Director Ralph Pablo.

EMB-CAR Regional Director Ma. Victoria Abrera and   Pablo awarded plaques of recognition to individuals, local   government units, government agencies, civil society organizations and the academe for their commitment, active participation and unending support to the Balili, Bued and Amburayan Water Quality Management Areas (WQMA).

 Awardees include the provincial government of Benguet, the city government of Baguio and the local government units of La Trinidad, Sablan, Itogon, Tuba, Atok, Bakun, Buguias, Kapangan, Tublay and Kibungan.

Partners from the national line agencies include the DA, DPWH, DENR, DOH, DOST, DepEd, DTI, DILG, DOT, DHSUD, NEDA, NIA, NCIP, NWRB, WWRRDEC, NEDA, MGB, PEZA, PIA and EMB Region 1.  

Recognized from the private and business sector include the John Hay Management Corporation, Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation Inc., Cordillera Hydro Electric Power Corporation, Hotel and Restaurants Association of Baguio, Balili River System Revitalization Coalition, Mountain Rock Aggregates, and the Camp 6 Explorers Mining Association Inc. as well as the Baguio Water District and La Trinidad Water District.

From the academe were the University of the Philippines - Baguio, Benguet State University, Saint Louis University, and Baguio City National High School.

Also recognized were   local officials, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources officers and other individuals who have been supportive to the efforts in the management of the rivers.

“I am hopeful that with the extensive support from our partners from the local government units, national agencies and stakeholders, we can protect our groundwater resources because we all know that the Cordillera is the water cradle of the North,” Cuna said.

 “We applaud you, our partners on your active involvement in initiating better leadership and interventions to our Water Quality Management Areas. On behalf of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, congratulations for a job well done! Maraming salamat po sa pagpapanatili ng kalinisan ng ating katubigan,” he added.

 According to the EMB, the WQMA aims to protect, thru stakeholders’ collaboration, the water body and its tributaries by keeping its water quality within the Water Quality Guidelines or Criteria conforming to the water body’s classification or even improve the quality to higher classification.

In the Cordillera region, the Balili River, Bued River and the Amburayan River have been designated as WQMA areas to be able to address the water quality issues and problems in the areas and later result to the improvement or better water quality of the water bodies. (JDP/RMC -PIA-CAR)