Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Kalamansig and the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Sultan Kudarat Irrigation Management Office (SKIMO) convened on Thursday, January 16, to discuss strategies for mitigating the environmental impact of the Lebak Integrated River Irrigation Project (LIRIP). The project aims to enhance water supply for farmers in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat but has necessitated the removal of trees in several barangays.
The meeting stemmed from a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed on October 24, 2022, between CENRO Kalamansig and SKIMO, which formalized their commitment to address the environmental consequences of LIRIP. The project has affected various tree species in Barangays Pansud, Barurao II, Nuling, Poloy-poloy, Pasandalan, and Marigaeg.
To address these impacts, the two offices identified several key strategies:
- Information Campaigns Public awareness initiatives will be conducted to educate local communities on the importance of reforestation and sustainable environmental practices.
- Regular Inventory, Hauling, and Turnover of Cut Logs A system will be established to manage the cut logs, ensuring transparency and accountability in their handling and use.
- Massive Tree-Growing Efforts Large-scale tree-growing activities will be carried out in nearby or graduated sites under the National Greening Program (NGP) within Lebak. These efforts aim to replace the trees removed due to the project.
CENRO Kalamansig emphasized the importance of collaboration in balancing development and environmental conservation. SKIMO also reaffirmed its commitment to mitigating the project’s ecological impacts while delivering essential irrigation services to the local agricultural sector.
The Lebak Integrated River Irrigation Project is expected to significantly benefit farmers by improving water availability for agricultural activities. However, the active partnership between DENR and NIA ensures that environmental stewardship remains a top priority, showcasing a model for sustainable development in the region.