Oriental Mindoro: The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) is pushing for the revival of the Mag-asawang Tubig Watershed, a critical source of water and agricultural support in Oriental Mindoro that is now under serious environmental threat.
According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative, a key undertaking under the National Convergence Initiative for Sustainable Rural Development (NCI-SRD), is being done in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), to propel the rehabilitation of the 6,434.72-hectare watershed located in the municipality of Victoria.
'This ecological heartland not only irrigates over 1,890 hectares of farmland, sustaining the livelihoods of around 627 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs), but also provides drinking water for more than 48,000 residents,' the statement read.
'However, the watershed is under threat from deforestation, which has alarmingly increased soil erosion, and from pollution that jeopardizes both water quality and agricultural productivity.'
DAR-Mimaropa Regional Director Marvin Bernal emphasized the agency's commitment to the success of the initiative. He pointed out that in advocating for the protection of the Mag-asawang Tubig watershed, DAR is not only protecting a natural resource, but is also helping secure the future of the ARBs and their communities.
DAR said the NCI-SRD ensures that each participating agency addresses a key aspect of watershed recovery, with the DA contributing agricultural expertise, the DENR spearheading environmental protection, and the DILG strengthening coordination with local governments and communities.
Bernal said the strength of the NCI-SRD lies in the government agencies' unified approach. 'By working together, we are not just addressing the symptoms; we are building a sustainable ecosystem where both the environment and the communities can thrive,' he said.
As part of its contribution, DAR has distributed land titles to 755 ARBs in the area, giving them the legal security needed to make long-term investments in sustainable farming. DAR is also delivering support services under its Climate Resilient Farm Productivity Support Project, which provides machinery and technical training to help farmers combat erosion and improve yields.
The rehabilitation of the Mag-asawang Tubig Watershed stands as a priority not only for environmental preservation but also for rural development, according to the agency. This synergy, combined with the active engagement of local farmers and residents, is creating a powerful movement towards a greener and more prosperous future for the Mag-asawang Tubig Watershed and its people, it added.
