By PR | 09:19 PM October 06, 2023
The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (DOST-PHIVOLCS) will hold the PHIVOLCS InfoPress: Understanding and Communicating Geologic Hazards in Region VII on October 12, 2023, in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.
In coordination with the Provincial Government of Bohol (PGBh) through the Provincial Information and Media Office (PIMO), DOST-VII, and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)- VII, the PHIVOLCS InfoPress aims to promote effective science communication by explaining commonly-used terms, discussing science-based geohazard scenarios, impacts, and preparedness measures, and sharing of good practices in media reportage among the participants.
Participants are government and private media, disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) practitioners and information officers from the local government, and Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) member agencies, namely the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and PIA.
As key partners in helping build disaster-resilient communities, DOST-PHIVOLCS encourages media partners, DRRM practitioners, and information officers in Central Visayas to participate in the activity, which also aims to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the 2013 M7.2 Bohol Earthquake. (DOST – PHIVOLCS)
DENR, PGBH SIGNS AGREEMENT CREATING IPIL WATERSHED MANAGEMENT COUNCIL
A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing ceremony was held to create the Ipil Watershed Management Council (IWMC).
The provincial government of Bohol signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the creation of the Ipil Watershed Management Council (IWMC) to preserve the natural resources threatened by the adverse effects of climate change.
Gov. Aris Aumentado who is IWMC co-chairperson, represented the provincial government in the MOA signing held at the CPG Hall last Oct. 6.
“The purpose of creating this council is to take action in reserving and preserving our natural resources, as we are at a critical level due to the effects of climate change,” the governor explained.
The Ipil Watershed covers eight municipalities including Bien Unido, Danao, Getafe, San Miguel, Talibon, Tubigon, Ubay, and the expected discharge area at Trinidad.
With a total area of 27,918.68 hectares spread in 61 barangays, the watershed covers 22,337.97 hectares of alienable and disposable land, 4,624.2314 hectares of forestland, and 956.4786 hectares of mangrove swamp forest.
Forrester Ariel Rica of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) and IWMC chair explained that the team composition is based on DENR Administrative Order 2021-41.
It is composed of representatives and offices including the Protected Areas superintendent, municipal mayors, the National Irrigation Administration, the Regional Development Council–National Economic Development Authority, and the Indigenous Peoples Organization.
Also included in the council are officials from the National Commission on Indigenous People, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Agrarian Reform, and the Philippine Association of Water Districts.
Aumentado expressed his gratitude especially to the mayors as well as the Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office and all agencies involved in the formation of the council.
The watershed project will address major environmental issues on river basins such as flooding, drought, erosion, forest fire, water pollution, forest denudation, informal settling, illegal logging, siltation and sedimentation, and proliferation of illegal fish cages.
The initiative primarily aims to establish and develop forest land, promote socio-economic development, reduce soil erosion, restore biodiversity, and improve the quantity and quality of water for domestic and irrigation uses.
The project also seeks to maintain ecological balance in the watershed and strengthen the participation, cooperation, and collaboration of stakeholders in the protection and management of the watershed.
Anchored on PGBh’s Strategic Change Agenda on Environmental Sustainability, the timely initiative coincides with the recent designation of Bohol as the first UNESCO Global Geopark Regenerative Island Province in the Philippines. (PIMO/JSS)
