Butuan City — Flowing through the heart of Mindanao, the Agusan River Basin (ARB) has long been a lifeline for communities, ecosystems, and economies across three regions. In an inspiring show of solidarity, stakeholders from Regions X, XI, and XIII gathered at the Balanghai Hotel and Convention Center on April 24-25, 2025, for the Localized River Basin Summit (LRBS), affirming their shared commitment to protect and rehabilitate this critical natural resource.
With the theme “Rooted in our Rivers: Local Action and Solidarity for Sustainable Agusan River Basin,” the summit was more than just an exchange of ideas — it was a call to collective action. Hosted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga, the event marked a renewed effort to push forward the Integrated River Basin Management and Development Master Plan (IRBMDMP), which lays out strategies on water resource management, watershed development, wetland conservation, and climate change adaptation.
Building a United Vision
DENR Caraga OIC-Regional Executive Director Maritess M. Ocampo opened the summit with a powerful reminder of the significance of working together:
“This gathering serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration, the strength in shared responsibilities, and the impact of collective efforts. By working together, we can ensure a sustainable future for the Agusan River Basin, benefiting the next generations.”
Echoing this sentiment, newly elected ARBGB Co-Chairperson Rev. Fr. Carlito Clase underscored the moral and spiritual duty to care for the environment, urging participants to move forward with hope, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose.
A Bold Future for Butuan and Beyond
Butuan City Mayor Ronnie Vicente C. Lagnada, now also the ARBGB Chairperson, delivered a keynote speech that was both visionary and grounded. He shared his dream of transforming Butuan into a “Great Hub City of Opportunities” — a vibrant, sustainable urban center aligned with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). His assurance of support to the ARBGB, pledging resources and leadership, was a galvanizing moment for many.
“We need to secure the future of our children, and the big task for ARBGB is to sit at the table and review our plans. Don’t worry, I will help you,” Mayor Lagnada emphasized, his words strengthening the commitment of all who attended.
Cross-Sector Support
Beyond local and regional leaders, national agencies are also invested. The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), through Director Olie Dagala representing Chairperson Sec. Leo Tereso A. Magno, affirmed their steadfast partnership, ensuring that the rehabilitation and protection of the Agusan River Basin remain a priority across Mindanao’s development agenda.
Why It Matters
The Agusan River Basin is not just a waterway — it is the third-largest river basin in the Philippines, covering nearly 12,000 square kilometers and nourishing the lives of people in 600 barangays across 47 cities and municipalities. It is home to globally significant ecosystems like the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary and the Andanan River Watershed Forest Reserve, among others.
Protecting it is crucial for biodiversity, agriculture, disaster risk reduction, water security, and the sustainable growth of Mindanao. The river basin’s health directly impacts the livelihoods, cultures, and resilience of countless communities.
Charting the Way Forward
The summit discussions tackled key milestones, such as the adoption of the Manual of Operations for River Basins, sharing of best practices like Libona, Bukidnon’s Payment for Ecosystem Services, and exploring innovative solutions and financing mechanisms to sustain efforts long-term.
Participants from various sectors — DENR, the River Basin Control Office (RBCO), MinDA, ARBGB, LGUs, and academe like the Agusan Del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology (ASSCAT) — worked collectively to draft actionable steps forward.
A Collective Promise
Ultimately, the Localized River Basin Summit was a powerful affirmation: protecting the Agusan River Basin is not the responsibility of one sector or one region alone. It is a shared duty — one that requires solidarity, resilience, and vision.
Rooted deeply in the rivers that sustain them, the people of the Agusan River Basin are coming together to protect what is vital today and secure what is essential for tomorrow.