This developed after Apo Agua, a subsidiary of the Aboitiz Infra Capital, Inc. (AIC) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)Region 11 and FARDECO Multipurpose Cooperative (FARDECO) on October 28 to implement a five-year reforestation and rehabilitation of the 200-hectare Proclaimed Watershed Forest Reserve site in Barangay Cadalian, Baguio District where the Panigan-Tamugan River, the source of the Davao City Water District (DCWD) Bulk Water Supply project lies.
Apo Agua and DENR 11 in a joint statement said that in line with their shared commitment of helping preserve the watershed and providing livelihood opportunities to the community, they will also launch a massive awareness campaign on watershed conservation and biodiversity in the community.
The information drive includes multimedia materials such as posters and videos. Metal signages will also be put up in Baguio District barangays, highlighting local endemic species to promote wildlife conservation through the preservation and protection of animals, plants, and their habitats.
“We've worked with Aboitiz on many projects, and this reforestation program is not just about planting trees; it's also about restoring and caring for our NGP (National Greening Program) area within the Panigan-Tamugan Watershed. With this partnership, Apo Agua is helping us ensure the sustainability of our water table all the way to Davaoenos' homes. I hope it does not end here, and we will continue with our conservation efforts,” DENR 11regional executive director Bagani Fidel Evasco said.
Part of the agreement is to heighten the monitoring of the watershed area. Thus, Apo Agua provided the Monitoring Team of DENR’s City Environment and Natural Resources Office with digital cameras and DENR-CENRO’s Lawin Patrollers with mobile devices, power banks, and raincoats to optimize their watershed monitoring activities.
“It’s an honor to stand alongside DENR in protecting the Panigan-Tamugan watershed. At Aboitiz, wehighly value environmental conservation as part of our strategy for advancing business and communities. We recognize the urgent need to protect the watershed as this will be the next water source of Davao City, and we are taking proactive steps to do so,” Apo Agua president, Anna Lu said.
Apo Agua, partnered with DCWD for its Adopt-a-Site Reforestation Program in 2019. It also conducted a watershed baseline study with ARUP, a renowned consultancy firm that outlined recommendations for the Davao City Watershed Management Council (WMC) to determine sustainable policies for the Panigan-Tamugan watershed, the statement reads.
Apo Agua, which leads the DCWD’s Bulk Water Supply Project construction works, is currently fast tracking the project. It said, road restorations from pipe laying works in various sites across 15 barangays in the second and third districts of the city are ongoing.
Apo Agua entered into an agreement with DCWD to shift the dependence of Davao City’s main water supply from groundwater wells to the more sustainably sourced surface water of the Tamugan River.
The project is described as one of the Philippines’ largest private bulk water supply facilities that will supply more than 300 million liters per day of safe and sustainable water to the people of Davao City.
PARTNERSHIP: Apo Agua Operations head Shake A. Tuason (6th from L), Department of Environment and Natural Resources 11 Regional Executive Director Bagani Fidel Evasco (5th from L), and FARDECO Multipurpose Cooperative Chairman Nelson Tagud (7th from L) and other DENR officials show the signed MOA for the 5-year reforestation and rehabilitation of Barangay Cadalian, Baguio District. Contributed photo