Davao City Water District, Davao Medical Society extend conservation pact

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 13, 2009) - The Davao City Water District recently extended its five-year conservation agreement with the Davao Medical Society (DMS), underlining its commitment to work closely with civil society groups in preserving the environment.

In a statement, DCWD General Manager Rodora Gamboa said: “The agreement symbolizes our resolve to continue working in partnership with the public in the proper management and defense of our natural resources.”

The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), signed between Gamboa and DMS President Vegloure Maguinsay called for the joint implementation of an “Adopt-a-Site” project in the Mt. Talomo-Lipadas Watershed Rehabilitation Project Area.

In the agreement, the DMS adopts one hectare by donating P6,000 a year over a period of five years. The MOA, which expires in 2013, is the second one formalized by both parties.

To date, the Mt. Talomo-Lipadas Watershed has about 30 so-called adopters, including Coca-Cola Bottlers, Inc., Holcim Phils., San Miguel Corp., and Davao Fruits Corp. (Edmarson B. Sola)

Photo: Protecting The Watershed

GUARDING THE RESERVE. At least 434 hectares of lands are protected reserve in the Mount Talomo-Lipadas watershed area located within the Mount Apo Natural Park. The Davao City Water District, mandated by law to enforce conservation measures, has been maintaining some 277 hectares out of the total area. This includes weeding and brushing, and piloting small farms in the villages of Tungkalan, New Daliaon Plantation, and Manuel Guianga. (Edmarson B. Sola)