Forest cover importance to ample water supply cited
THE order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to construct water-impounding facilities near Metro Manila got support from Rizal Representative Fidel Nograles.
The water impounding project aims to control flooding and ensure water supply in Luzon.
However, Nograles said such facilities should only be supplementary, and the government’s greater objective should be restoring the country’s forest cover.
“Maganda namang idea ang mga water-impounding facilities. These could boost our flood mitigation efforts and provide additional water for irrigation and other needs, especially amid El Niño,” he said.
“However, our greater objective should still be agressive reforestation to restore our forest cover, which would not only increase the carrying capacity of our watersheds but also solve a host of other issues connected with climate change,” the solon added.
The President’s order came after a briefing by the Water Resources Management Office (WRMO) and other government agencies on the government’s comprehensive water management plan.
Besides being briefed on flood control projects, Marcos was also apprised of the P5.86-billion rainwater collection system program under Republic Act No. 6716 and the installation of 6,002 rainwater collection systems nationwide.
Nograles is a staunch advocate of the National Greening Program, saying that reforestation is a key measure against El Niño and long-term climate change.
“Our forests shield us from natural disasters, particularly from the stronger typhoons that have resulted from climate change. They also counter drought and make our air cleaner,” the lawmaker said.
“Given how crucial forests are, our government should prioritize the restoration of our forest cover. At tiwala naman tayo na top of mind din ito ng Pangulo,” he added.
