BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, March 25 (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources(DENR) here will be putting up their sub-offices in watershed areas in the province to raise the awareness among villagers in protecting and preserving the environment.

Forester Henry Patricio, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer(PENRO) said the establishment of sub-offices in watershed areas of the province is necessary to enhance their condition and to closely monitor their growth for the coming years, including integration of villagers on the overall protection of the areas.

“Nueva Vizcaya watersheds need to be protected because it serves as a major source of water to farmers and households in Cagayan Valley and therefore, an aggressive campaign will be put in place,” Patricio said.

The eight 8 sub-watersheds in Nueva Vizcaya within the towns of Kayapa, Aritao, Sta Fe, Bambang, Ambaguio, Dupax del Sur, Dupax del Norte, Aritao, Kasibu, and part of barangay Dagupan in Quezon town.

He said that technical personnel from the DENR will conduct advocacy campaign in these areas to transform their negative habits and practices into positive and constructive actions and collaboration.

One of the major component of the campaign, Patricio said will be the organization of Watershed Management Councils(WMCs) which will be composed of non-government organizations, private organizations, national government agencies and local government units, among others.

“This will serve as the governing body on the implementation of policies, programs, projects and activities within their areas of coverage including collaborative efforts with nearby WMCs,” he added.

He said the will be pursued through the Forestland Management Project(FMP), funded the Japanese International Cooperating Agency(JICA) and DENR as a result of the Master Plan Study for Watershed Management in Upper Magat and Cagayan River Basin(MPSWMUPCRB).

The study which was conducted in 2004 recommended administrative and technical interventions where the latter focuses on rehabilitation of grassland with reforestation, agroforestry and silvipastoral practices in the forestland.

“Its main goal is to strengthen forestland management and improve socio-economic conditions and quality of life of upland dwellers,” Patricio said.