Abra: Abra Lone District Rep. Joseph Sto. Ni±o Bernos has introduced a bill aimed at safeguarding the Abra River from increasing pollution and environmental degradation. The proposed legislation seeks to create a specialized government body, the Abra River Basin Development Authority (ARBDA), to address the river's deteriorating state due to factors such as industrialization, deforestation, mining activities, and population growth.
According to Philippines News Agency, House Bill No. 3119 outlines the establishment of ARBDA, which will be responsible for developing a comprehensive 25-year rehabilitation roadmap and master plan for the Abra River. This plan aims to guide stakeholders in sustainable development while ensuring the well-being of communities along the river.
The ARBDA will collaborate with various government departments, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Public Works and Highways, to implement effective wastewater treatment and sewerage systems. The authority will also conduct regular scientific assessments and GIS-mapping to monitor the river's ecological and socio-economic conditions.
Among its duties, the ARBDA will dismantle illegal structures affecting the river, explore innovative community-based wastewater management solutions, and enforce pollution control and water quality standards for all discharges into the river system.
Rep. Bernos emphasized the significance of the bill, stating, "Through this bill, we will save the Northern Philippines' most important water network by regulating commercial and residential activities affecting the Abra River." He highlighted the river's role in supporting the region's environment and livelihoods, stressing the importance of protecting it for future generations.
The Abra River, also known as Lagben River, ranks as the seventh largest river system in the Philippines by watershed size, featuring a drainage area of 5,125 square kilometers and spanning 179 kilometers from its origin near Mount Data in Benguet province.
