TAMPAKAN, South Cotabato—The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 12 (DENR 12), in collaboration with the Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO), conducted a monitoring of water sources under the Local Government Support Fund – Support to the Barangay Development Programs (LGSF-SBDP) on February 25 and 27 in this province.
The initiative seeks to provide clean and sustainable water access to approximately 768 households in Barangay Danlag, Barangay Pula Bato, and Barangay Tablu. The project aims to enhance public health and sanitation by reducing the incidence of waterborne diseases, support local economic growth through improved irrigation for farming, and encourage income-generating activities such as recreational businesses.
The Licenses, Patents, and Deeds Division (LPDD) is providing technical assistance to evaluate key aspects of the water sources, including actual discharge measurements, geographical locations, developmental stages, the number of households served, and the classification of water bodies utilized under the program.
Meanwhile, Undersecretary for Integrated Environmental Science and Supervising Undersecretary for the Water Resources Management Office (WRMO), Dr. Carlos Primo C. David, highlighted the crucial role of WRMO Regional Offices in extending technical support for water distribution to Local Government Units (LGUs), particularly in upland and island barangays. He emphasized that strengthening regional assistance is vital in ensuring efficient and equitable water access in remote communities.
As part of the program, a monitoring team led by Forester Maisara D. Batuampar also conducted an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign on the key provisions of Presidential Decree 1067, commonly known as the ‘Water Code of the Philippines.’ The IEC initiative aimed to raise public awareness on responsible water use and resource management.
The LGSF-SBDP remains a priority program of the government to foster development and improve access to basic services in selected communities, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable water resource management and equitable distribution.
