CENRO-Guimbal administers Aganan Watershed survey

WATERSHED is one of the basic life-support ecosystems threatened by environmental disasters (natural and man-made) because of its bio-geophysical impacts and its socio-economic significance.

One of these watersheds is the Aganan Watershed which is also a critical watershed in the province of Iloilo. It has a total approximate land area of 32,306.25 hectares, of which 4,062.00 hectares are timberland and 28,244.25 hectares are alienable and disposable land. It covers portion of the eight municipalities of Alimodian, Cabatuan, Leon, Maasin, Oton, Pavia, San Miguel, Santa Barbara and the City of Iloilo.

In pursuit of minimizing further destruction and degradation of the Aganan Watershed, the Community Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO) in Guimbal has conducted an Adaptive Capacity Survey as one of the activities under Vulnerability Assessment in watersheds. At least 30 residents from each identified barangays along Aganan Watershed  were the recipients/respondents.

Adaptive Capacity Survey were also conducted in barangays Bucari, Camandag, Bubon, Bulwang, Bacolod and Cabunga-an in the Municipality of Leon; Dalid, Ginomoy, Pianda-an Sur, Bagumbayan-Ilajas, Ubodan, Cabacanan Rizal, Cabacanan Proper, Tabug, Manasa, Uminggan, Dao, and Lico in Alimodian.

Vulnerability Assessment of Characterized Watersheds aims to analyze the relationship between natural and anthropogenic hazards and recipient watershed. It identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the watershed in relation to the identified hazards such as soil erosion, landslides flooding, forest/grass fires and biodiversity loss. The assessment can provide information in coming up with an Integrated Management Plan (IWMP).

DENR-6 Regional Executive Director Francisco E. Milla, Jr. stressed that the Aganan Watershed is an important watershed in the Province of Iloilo “because it serves the Aganan River Irigation System and plays a significant role in the ecological, social and economic development.”

Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu is determined in ensuring that watersheds are protected and managed for sustainable water resources, which is also emphasized in his 10- priority programs. (DENR-6/CENRO-Guimbal)