BARMM, Malacañang Urged to Protect Liguasan Marsh Ecosystem
The Liguasan Marsh is surrounded by the provinces of Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte, both in the Bangsamoro region, and Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat under Administrative Region 12. (Photo Courtesy: John Felix Unson)
COTABATO CITY – Several stakeholders urged the Bangsamoro government and Malacañang to protect the ecosystem of the Liguasan Marsh.
The 288,000-hectare marsh, a significant ecosystem in the Bangsamoro region, is currently facing a grave threat. Continuous siltation and abuse by communities relying on endemic fish species for sustenance and commercial fishing have endangered this iconic delta.
There is hope, however, for its preservation and sustainable use.
Experts from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and foreign geologists have identified vast deposits of natural gas within the Liguasan Delta.
These reserves can be utilized for large-scale power generation and other industrial purposes. While this presents an opportunity for economic growth, it also requires a multi-sector effort to protect the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
In 2000, Harris Sinolinding, a researcher and now Vice President for Academic Affairs of the Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology, highlighted the need for immediate action to safeguard the fish, reptiles, and bird species in the marsh.
Sinolinding’s study revealed that many species are endemic to the 220,000-hectare delta.
The Liguasan Delta serves as a catch basin for numerous rivers originating from the Bukidnon, Cotabato, Maguindanao, and South Cotabato provinces.
Unfortunately, heavy siltation has caused the delta to become shallow over time, leading to frequent flooding in nearby villages during rainy days.
Mayor Rolly Sacdalan of Midsayap, Cotabato, emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue.
The Liguasan Marsh overflows quickly due to its shallow depth, said Sacdalan.
Dredging the marsh to remove silt is a viable solution, albeit a costly one.
Additionally, fishing regulations must be implemented during the spawning season to protect the fish species.
Providing alternative livelihood options for the communities living in the marsh is also crucial to mitigate the impact of these measures.
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which has enclaves in the Liguasan Delta, has already taken action against fishermen using harmful practices such as poisoning and electrical devices to catch fish.
The involvement of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division is necessary to secure the delta from environmental degradation, overfishing, and armed groups that may hinder preservation efforts.
Susana Anayatin, a member of the BARMM parliament, has filed a resolution seeking the support of the 6th Infantry Division in safeguarding the Liguasan Delta.
Various sectors and peace advocacy groups have supported this proposal, recognizing the importance of inter-agency collaboration in preserving this vital ecosystem.
Protecting the Liguasan Delta is not just about preserving its natural beauty and biodiversity. It is also about ensuring the livelihoods of the communities that rely on its resources.
By taking immediate interventions and implementing sustainable practices, we can secure the future of the Liguasan Marsh for generations to come, she said. (John Felix Unson)
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