THE Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) on Monday underscored the significance of agency rehabilitating the 6,434.72-hectare Mag-asawang Tubig watershed in Oriental Mindoro.
Marvin Bernal, DAR regional director in MIMAROPA, said “DAR is fully invested in the success of the Mag-asawang Tubig watershed initiative.”
“Our mission goes beyond simply distributing land. We are empowering our agrarian reform beneficiaries with the tools and support they need to become resilient stewards of this land for generations to come,” he added.
DAR is at the forefront of a dynamic partnership, working hand-in-hand with the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of the Interior and Local Government to rehabilitate the Mag-asawang Tubig Watershed.
The initiative is deemed a key undertaking through the National Convergence Initiative for Sustainable Rural Development meant to “create a thriving and sustainable environment for the communities nestled within this vital river basin.”
According to DAR, the watershed irrigates over 1,890 hectares of farmlands, helps sustain the livelihood of 627 farmer-beneficiaries and provides drinking water for over 48,000 residents.
The government lamented the watershed was under threat from deforestation “that has alarmingly increased soil erosion, and from pollution that jeopardizes water quality and agricultural productivity.”
“The strength of the NCI-SRD lies in our unified approach. By working together, we are not just addressing the symptoms. We are building a sustainable ecosystem where both the environment and the communities can thrive,” Bernal said.
