COURTESY: https://pia.gov.ph
In an era where the conversation around environmental sustainability is more pertinent than ever, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-10 recently spearheaded a groundbreaking Research Forum. This pivotal gathering was orchestrated with a singular focus: to amass scientific data indispensable for the revitalization of the master plans governing the Cagayan de Oro (CDO) and Tagoloan river basins. Situated in the heart of CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY , this forum marked a significant stride toward ecological stewardship, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between humanity and the natural world.
At the helm of this forum was DENR-10 Executive Director Henry A. Adornado, who illuminated the forum's cornerstone objective: to convene a think tank of experts and researchers. This assembly was not merely a gathering but a dynamic arena for the exchange of insights, aimed at dissecting and addressing the multifaceted issues plaguing the two river basins. Adornado eloquently articulated the forum's role as a critical platform, enabling DENR-10 to sculpt strategic interventions for the river basins' sustainable management. This endeavor aligns seamlessly with the DENR's overarching mission to anchor all policies and actions in science-based and evidence-informed solutions, thereby fortifying the protection, conservation, and sustainable management of our invaluable natural resources.
The forum was a beacon of intellectual discourse, featuring a series of enlightening research presentations. Notably, Dr. Maria Luisa Baino Salingay, spearheading the Mindanao Institute for Water Research, unveiled her study on "Persistent Organic Pollutants in the Cagayan de Oro River Basin." Her findings cast a spotlight on the dire necessity for stringent regulations and enforcement mechanisms to curb the use and dissemination of hazardous substances. Dr. Salingay's clarion call for bolstered pesticide education and sustainable agricultural practices among farmers resonated as a crucial step forward. Complementing this, Dr. Judy Marie R. Zoleta of Liceo de Cagayan University presented her "Water Quality Analysis of Cagayan de Oro River," identifying urbanization and industrial expansion as catalysts for organic pollution.
The forum also featured groundbreaking research by Dr. Hilly Ann Roa-Quiaoit and Dr. Guadalupe Dejarme-Calalang, among others, shedding light on landscape functionality, residual pesticides, and heavy metal absorption by plants. These studies not only contribute to the scientific community's knowledge pool but also serve as vital tools for guiding DENR-10's policies and programs aimed at the conservation and development of natural resources. Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services, Ronald D. Gadot, expressed profound gratitude to the researchers for their invaluable contributions, underscoring the imperative of translating these findings into actionable strategies for environmental preservation.
The forum was distinguished by its inclusivity, drawing participation from an array of stakeholders including national government agencies, local government units, and industry partners. This collaborative ethos underscores the significance of a united approach in addressing environmental challenges. Gadot's highlight on the critical issue of inadequate sanitation facilities in certain Bukidnon barangays served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles facing our water bodies.
In conclusion, the Research Forum on the CDO and Tagoloan river basins stands as a testament to the power of collective effort and scientific inquiry in the quest for sustainable environmental management. By harnessing the insights garnered from this forum, there is renewed hope for the protection and rejuvenation of these vital natural resources, ensuring their legacy for generations to come.
