BUTUAN CITY – Four stakeholders were recognized for their outstanding contributions for the management and protection of the Taguibo River  to continually maintain a clean and sustainable water flow. They received plaque of recognition from the Taguibo Watershed Management Council (TWMC) chaired by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources during their third quarter meeting held in Butuan City.

Because  of  their contribution, the Taguibo River, one of the sources of water supply of Butuan City and even part of the province of Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur was ranked third in the national search for Recognizing Individuals/Institutions Towards Vibrant and Enhanced Rivers or RIVERs for Life Award FY 2021.

The four stakeholders who received plaque of recognition include the Butuan City Water District, Barangay Anticala, Anticala Pianing Tribal Organization and Barangay Pianing.

Barangay Anticala, Butuan City Committee chair on Environment Kagawad Danilo Dandanon said, the recognition given to them by the Council will encourage them to work more and protect the water resource. “Protecting the Taguibo River, our source of water is one of our priorities and responsibilities, because it is where we get our water, the very need to survive,” he said.

Also, on behalf of the Butuan City Water District (BCWD), Forester Ernie Ruiz expressed gratitude to the Council for recognizing their contribution. Forester Ruiz said, BCWD helps in the implementation of programs and projects to protect, and even in the reforestation in the Taguibo watershed area.

According to Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Forester Achilles Anthony Ebron, giving of recognition to the stakeholders is one way to strengthen partnership with the different stakeholders to motivate them to do more in the protection of the water resource. (NCLM/PIA Agusan del Norte)