LGUs urged: Build water catchments

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 has urged local government units to build water catchments in upland areas to prevent rainwater from heading downstream and causing floods.

Montejo made the call amidst the devastating impact of flooding.

“With our mountaintops gone bald due to indiscriminate cutting of trees, water rushes faster down the slopes of mountains, carrying with it mountain soil that chokes our rivers and streams with silt, while causing flashfloods in the plains,” said DENR 7 Director Isabelo Montejo.

He explained that the establishment of additional catchments or small water impounding dams (SWIDs) is part of the physical development plan that the Cabinet cluster on climate change is proposing not only to guide physical expansion but also to help improve the country’s resilience to global warming and climate-related disasters.

He stressed that rainwater harvesting facilities like SWIDs are proven effective in managing rainwater, which can be used as a supplemental source of water for irrigation.

“Trees moderate water flows by absorbing large amount of water during heavy rainfall and releasing it gradually during the dry season,” Montejo said.

Montejo said trees provide the lasting solution to climate change as trees not only store carbon in their trunks and branches but also give out oxygen to sustain life during photosynthesis. Likewise, trees help sustain the flow of rivers and creeks.

“This is actually the objective why the Aquino administration is embarking on a massive reforestation through the national greening program not just to address the poverty situation, but at the same time, mitigate the impacts of climate change,” Montejo added.   (FREEMAN)