CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (PIA)–To make the best use of watershed resources and address the challenges posed by urbanization in Cagayan de Oro City and its neighboring cities, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 10 (DENR-10) led in creating the Agusan-Cugman Cluster of Watershed Management Council (ACCWMC).

The council members signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on October 17, 2023 at Chali Beach Resort in Cugman, this city, to establish resilience in providing ecological services for economic growth and food security. 

The council comprises 18 government agencies and seven Local Government Units, collectively forming the governing body responsible for operations, supervision, and management.

Moreover, the governing body includes six civil society organizations responsible for the academic aspect, three non-government organizations focused on training and research, one religious organization, five security groups to enforce laws and policies, and one social organization to facilitate interactions with indigenous groups and farmers' organizations.

In his message, DENR-10 Regional Executive Director Henry A. Adornado expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the council's creation. He said the council can assist them in fostering partnerships, sharing responsibilities, and ongoing collaborative efforts to address the community's water supply needs.

“Over the years, our watersheds and localities have faced an array of threats, from pressures of urbanization, industrialization, and especially climate change-induced weather shifts. As we put pen to paper, we are not just signing a memorandum; we are signing a commitment to the earth, a vow to future generations, and a promise to ourselves”, he said.

Adornado also stated that the MOA signing will act as a platform for collective decision-making, resource mobilization, and the execution of sustainable initiatives to protect and restore ecological balance in the communities.

DENR-10 will serve as the chairperson of the ACCWMC, while the DILG-10, NEDA-10, the City Government of Cagayan de Oro, the Provincial Government of Bukidnon, and the Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry will collectively form the executive committee of the council. (DCC/PIA-10)