Koronadal City, November 18 – Members of the Regional Integrated Watershed Management Plan Review Committee (RIRC) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 12 have officially approved the Integrated Watershed Management Plans (IWMP) for the Klaja and Palimbang Rivers. The signing ceremony took place earlier today at the DENR 12 Regional Office in Koronadal City.
The IWMPs are designed to regulate streamflow, sustain water supply, and enhance the management of natural resources, striking a balance between economic development and ecological preservation. These plans aim to ensure the sustainable provision of goods and services, benefiting present and future generations while maximizing environmental, socio-cultural, and economic advantages through participatory and holistic management.
Anchored in the DENR Memorandum Circular (DMC) 2008-05, the IWMPs adhere to the Watershed and Ecosystem Management (WEM) framework, ensuring alignment with national standards and guidelines. This includes fostering collaboration among government agencies, stakeholders, and communities; establishing robust watershed information systems; and enhancing the technical and operational capacity of stakeholders.
The preparation process emphasizes ecological sustainability and compatibility with the multiple uses of watersheds. The RIRC’s approval confirms that the plans meet the stringent requirements outlined in DMC 2008-05 and the FMB Technical Bulletin 16-A. The next steps include adoption by the Watershed Management Council, through resolutions, Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs), or Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), supported by endorsements from key stakeholders.
Once endorsed by the Watershed Management Council, the IWMPs will be presented to the Regional Development Council for final adoption. This step solidifies their integration into regional development plans, ensuring that the watersheds’ ecological and economic potentials are sustainably managed for the benefit of the communities that rely on them.
The approval marks a significant milestone in the sustainable management of the Klaja and Palimbang River watersheds, highlighting DENR 12’s commitment to safeguarding natural resources while fostering economic growth and environmental resilience.
