KORONADAL CITY – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-12 facilitated the 2nd Environment Committee Meeting of the Mindanao River Basin Management Council (MRBMC) on March 21 at the Dreamweavers Hotel, bringing together key stakeholders to discuss pressing environmental issues affecting the Mindanao River Basin.
The meeting provided a platform for technical discussions, collaboration, and collective decision-making on crucial environmental concerns. Among the key agenda items were the establishment of the Simuay Watershed Management Council and the review of proposed revisions to the MRBMC Terms of Reference and Manual of Operations.
The MRBMC Environment Committee plays a vital role in promoting Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) and sustainable development within the Mindanao River Basin. The committee also addresses climate change risks and fosters collaboration among government agencies, non-governmental organizations, local leaders, and the academe.
Engr. Mama G. Samaon, DENR-12’s Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services, presided over the meeting. It was attended by Cotabato Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Radzak B. Sinarimbo and DMO V Ramon Cesar B. Reynaldo of the Mindanao Development Authority’s (MinDA) Area Management Office for South Central Mindanao. Representatives from various national government agencies, NGOs, local government units, and academic institutions also participated in the discussions.
The Mindanao Development Authority, which serves as the committee’s secretariat, facilitated the proceedings, ensuring that stakeholders provided consolidated feedback and support for the initiatives presented. The meeting reinforced the commitment to sustainable water resource management and environmental protection in Mindanao.