Watershed development program eyed for Bacolod City
April 28, 2009 1:40 am
BACOLOD CITY, April 27 – An ordinance establishing watershed development and water conservation programs for this city with a corresponding fund proposal worth P1 million was filed recently by councilors Jocelle Batapa-Sigue and Wilson Gamboa Jr. here.
The proponents said Bacolod is a highly urbanized city and its topography shows a possible area that can be developed into watershed areas.
Both the councilors said all watersheds that are sources of water for existing and potential irrigable areas and recharge areas of major aquifers identified by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) shall be preserved.
“The State shall pursue a policy of economic growth in a manner consistent with the protection, preservation and revival of the quality of our fresh, brackish and marine waters. To achieve this end, the framework for sustainable development shall be pursued,” Gamboa cited.
Batapa-Sigue said the Sangguniang Panlungsod should lead in instilling and integrating environmental consciousness among its people in its duly established water conservation program, where there is need to create awareness among the people on the preservation of good quality of water found in open bodies of water and everyone is responsible for the protection and development of watershed areas.
Article IV of the proposed ordinance stated that “a committee on watershed development and water conservation (WATERCOM) shall be created to perform to ensure the proper implementation of the ordinance”.
“The City of Bacolod shall actively encourage civil society and other sectors, particularly labor, the academe and business undertaking environment-related activities in their efforts to organize, educate and motivate the people in addressing water-related and environmental issues and problems,” Gamboa said. (PNA) LDV/GMDC/vlo
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