A WATERSHED LIKE that in Marikina– which not only supplies us with potable water but also shields us and our water resources from silts and sediments– should be protected, no matter what.
Watersheds are important because they regulate freshwater, providing a natural system for water storage, filtration, and distribution for communities, agriculture, and ecosystems.
They support biodiversity by providing habitats for wildlife and plant life, offer recreational opportunities, and contribute to economic activities like food and tourism.
Maintaining healthy watersheds is crucial for preventing pollution, controlling floods, and ensuring a sustainable future by preserving natural resources.
Healthy watersheds are essential for providing and regulating fresh water for drinking, irrigation, and industrial use. They act as natural filters by removing pollutants and sediments, which help maintain clean water sources and reduces treatment costs for communities.
Watersheds offer numerous ecosystem services, including nutrient cycling, soil formation, and carbon storage which are vital for a healthy environment.
The soils and vegetation in watersheds absorb and store rainfall, releasing it gradually to help control floods and prevent water scarcity.
DENR’S BEST MOVE
The closure by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources of three resorts within the Marikina watershed– which lies within the National Capital Regions thus bolstering its importance to millions residing in Metro Manila– is the best move.
Not all economic activity is good, especially if this encroaches on a precarious natural resource like the watershed.
The Star recently reported that DENR, under the leadership of proactive Secretary Raphael Lotilla (who assumed last June) that The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has shut down three resorts found illegally operating within the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape in Rizal. (Like I said watersheds are protected so anything or anyone operating there are illegal structures).
The Danum Baker Resort, Erin’s Place and Lihim na Batis had been given cease and desist orders for operating without the required permits from the DENR.
CLOSED BUT NIT PADLOCKED
The closure order was served on Oct. 3 by a composite team led by DENR Assistant Secretary for legal affairs and enforcement Norlito Eneran, DENR-Calabarzon director Nilo Tamoria and Rizal provincial environment and natural resources officer Ramil Limpiada.
After coordinating with the local government of Baras, the DENR team padlocked the main gate of the Danum Baker Resort in the presence of the resort caretaker.
The team installed a chain and signage marked “CLOSED,” reinforcing an earlier notice of violation issued by the DENR.
At Erin’s Place and Lihim na Batis, which share a common entrance, the team found the main gate already locked and unattended.
To allow residents from nearby communities who rely on the route to pass through, the team opted not to padlock the gate.
Instead, a signage marked “CLOSED” was also attached on the common gate of the establishments to inform visitors and excursionists that the resorts are no longer available.
The three resorts were among nine establishments operating within the protected area that were issued either cease and desist or show-cause orders.
The DENR said that among the facilities ordered to stop operating, only the Danum Baker Resort, Erin’s Place and Lihim na Batis were found to have defied the closure order.
The remaining six establishments have since complied and ceased operations.
The Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape, a critical watershed supplying water to Metro Manila and nearby provinces, has long been under environmental pressure due to illegal structures and tourism activities.