Preserving the Protected and Watershed Area of Ipil: A Call for Environmental Responsibility
Photo Courtesy: Elvie Manaytay
The Protected and Watershed Area of Ipil is a precious natural resource that spans 2,533 hectares and encompasses eight barangays in Zamboanga Sibugay.
The area, considered the town’s last frontier, is facing a significant threat in the form of a tourism road that would encroach upon the majestic Busay Falls, located within the watershed. The construction of this road could have devastating consequences for the ecosystem, including increased siltation in the rivers and sea, compromised irrigation for farmlands, and a potential disruption in the community’s water supply.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Regional Project Monitoring Committee (RPMC) of the Regional Development Council (RDC) IX conducted a problem-solving session on April 30, 2019.
During the session, it was unanimously recommended that the affected area around Busay Falls in Doña Josefa, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay be rehabilitated and restored.
The need for rehabilitation and restoration arose from a discussion on the environmental destruction caused by the construction of Phase III of the Tourism Road Infrastructure Project (TRIP).
TRIP is a joint effort between the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) IX – 2nd District Engineering Office (DEO) of Zamboanga Sibugay and the Department of Tourism (DOT) IX.
During the RDC IX Consultation and Review of FY 2020 Budget Proposals on February 15, 2019, concerns were raised about the project’s compliance with environmental regulations.
It was discovered that the road project had been implemented without the necessary Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), a violation of PD 1586 (Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System).
In response to this violation, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) IX issued a Notice of Adverse Findings to DPWH IX, highlighting the need for immediate rehabilitation measures in the affected area.
Furthermore, a technical conference was scheduled to discuss the violation and determine any fines or penalties.
A team composed of various government agencies, including the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO), Municipal Engineer (ME), Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), and Private Sector Representatives, conducted an ocular inspection of the road leading to Busay Falls on March 18, 2019.
The inspection revealed significant damage to the environment, and the team compiled a detailed report outlining the extent of the destruction and recommending measures for rehabilitation. The RPMC IX Monitoring Team also conducted their own inspection on April 24, 2019, and echoed the need for a road setback to protect the environment surrounding Busay Falls.
Preserving and rehabilitating the Protected Area and Watershed of Ipil is not only crucial for the local ecosystem but also for the sustainability of the community.
To prevent further degradation and implement restoration measures, the watershed area will remain viable ensuring the continued availability of clean water for agriculture, preserving the delicate balance of the ecosystem from ridge to reefs, and maintaining the natural beauty of Busay Falls for future generations to enjoy.
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