TABUK CITY, Kalinga – In the committee meeting held for the approval on first reading of the proposed ordinance called the “Tabuk City Watershed Protection and Management Policy,” the city council pushed for more environmental and water resource protection.
The proposed ordinance is authored by Councilors Samuel Suma-al, Ivan Yannick Bagayao, and Kristian Wandag.
The proposal was based on Article II, Section 16 of the 1987 Constitution, which states that the state shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthy ecology in accordance with the rhythm and harmony of nature.
The need for the protection of the environment, including water sources in the city, is in accordance with the Clean Water Act, Revised Forestry Code, Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System, Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act, Mining Act, and other environmental-related laws.
Tabuk City is under the Pinukpuk-Tabuk (PITA) Watershed, and the City LGU forms part of the Watershed Management Council—Integrated Natural Resources.
The PITA Watershed Management Plan adopts a hierarchical approach to watershed management, forwarding the mobilization of local and indigenous communities, formed as People’s Organizations (POs), at the Forest Management Unit Level in order to manage local watershed units that are within Tabuk City.
Imelda Casiwan, the Tabuk Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO), praised the timeliness of the proposed ordinance during the committee meeting, pointing out that it will help protect the city’s existing water resources before additional developmental projects take place.
She suggested planting more native tree species, which can aid in the protection of water sources and are adaptable in a variety of settings.
The use of water resources by tourism facilities operating within forest lands and protected areas was also discussed during the meeting. It was recommended that these enterprises obtain the appropriate permissions and documentation from the DENR and other line agencies to ensure legal compliance.
After the proposed ordinance is enacted, the City ENRO and the Community ENRO with other concerned offices will collaborate closely to execute it, especially on pertinent programs and activities.
Councilors Rainier Duguiang, Abraham Licaycay, Castor Cayaba, Juan Tomas Duyan, and IPMR Sandra Uyam were also present during the committee meeting. Salud Lammawin, the head of City ENRO, and Maricel Kiley, the head of CPDO, provided feedback on the proposal. By Ian Addatu