LA UNION, Philippines — The Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) reinforced its commitment to environmental stewardship as it took part in the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the establishment of the Baroro River Watershed Management Council (BRWMC) on May 4, 2026, at the Speaker Pro-Tempore Francisco I. Ortega Convention Center, City of San Fernando, La Union.
The initiative affirmed the PGLU’s recognition of the vital role of multi-sectoral stakeholders in the protection, rehabilitation, development, management, and utilization of resources within the Baroro River Watershed.
Governor Mario Eduardo C. Ortega signed the MOA as the Council Co-Chairperson, with Engr. Cezar Manuel A. Cabansag of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources – Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-PENRO) La Union serving as Council Chairperson.
The MOA signing was joined by 30 core members composed of local chief executives from the municipalities of Bacnotan, Bagulin, San Gabriel, San Juan, Santol, and the City of San Fernando, along with representatives from various national government agencies, academic institutions, civil society organizations, and sectoral groups.
The creation of the Council is pursuant to DENR Administrative Order No. 23, Series of 2005, which promotes ecosystem-based watershed management through a collaborative and integrative approach. This policy underscores active stakeholder participation and aims to establish a sustainable and multi-sectoral institution capable of addressing watershed-related concerns.
Watershed management efforts ensure the responsible, economically viable, and socially acceptable use of natural resources. This approach aims to prevent further degradation, enabling the protective functions of affected watershed areas.
Furthermore, DENR Administrative Order No. 41, Series of 2021, institutionalizes the formation of Watershed Management Councils in critical watersheds and proclaimed forest reserves. These councils serve as oversight and advisory bodies in watershed planning and the implementation of programs and projects.
The BRWMC is envisioned to strengthen coordination and collaboration among Local Government Units (LGUs), National Government Agencies, Non-Government Organizations, People’s Organizations, and the private sector, thereby accelerating the achievement of sustainable watershed management goals.
