Citizens Urged to Join Cebu River Basin Development

The Central Cebu River Basin Management Council (CCRBMC) called on Cebu residents to participate in ensuring water sustainability and waste management in the province as part of the Central Cebu River Basin Master Plan.

During its 3rd consultative workshop held last April 5, participants from Megawide Cebu expressed the need to involve locals in the protection of Cebu’s river basin that would ensure the province’s water supply.

The workshop was participated by private stakeholders including Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., Megawide Cebu, University of San Carlos, and government agencies such the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and National Housing Authority (NHA).

The council addressed the issue of citizen involvement to Local Government Units (LGUs), and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENRO).

Currently, Mandaue City has a Bridge and Alliance Circle (BAC) which focuses on the rehabilitation and maintenance of Butuanon river.
BAC is divided into sub-units focusing on various aspects of conservation, including educational sessions with residents every Saturday.

The council remarked that this can be applicable in some areas too.

Central Cebu River Basin Master Plan covers four cities and six municipalities of Cebu province namely cities of Toledo, Danao, Mandaue and Talisay; and municipalities of Asturias, Minglanilla, Liloan, Consolacion, Compostela, and Balamban.

CCRBMC is a multi-stakeholder group that uses integrated water resources management principles and adapts integrated watershed, river basins and ecosystems management approach as strategy to environment and natural resources management.

The program aims to unite Cebu for sustainable water through an integrated plan wherein each citizen will take care of the water resources regardless of town or district.

It also aims to increase disaster preparedness, address water supply problem, formulate livelihood programs, and protect water resources, among others.

www.cebu.gov.ph