The Forest Management Bureau (FMB) is spearheading a five-day National Workshop on the Water Yield Assessment of Selected Watersheds Supporting National Irrigation Systems, which runs from September 16 to 20, 2024, at Chateau Bleu, Calamba City, Laguna. The workshop focuses on the Sta. Maria and Tumauini Watersheds, both of which are part of the DENR’s priority watersheds supporting NIA irrigation systems.

Assistant Secretary Arleigh J. Adorable emphasized the workshop’s role in enhancing the country’s irrigation systems. He noted that watersheds play a pivotal role in supporting irrigation, providing ecosystem services including water for irrigation and domestic use. He also highlighted the importance of establishing a standardized and scientifically grounded approach to water yield assessment across regions.

This initiative is vital to developing a cohesive strategy that will ensure sustainable water management, helping both irrigated agriculture and the broader ecosystem services provided by these watersheds.

The event brings together DENR Regional Watershed Focal Points, GIS practitioners, and experts from ERDB Watershed and Water Resources Research, Development, and Extension Center (WWRDEC), as well as specialists from the National Irrigation Administration (NIA). The goal is to equip field personnel with a comprehensive understanding of water yield assessment methodologies and applications, which are crucial for managing water resources in watersheds.

The collaboration seeks to further strengthen the country’s capacity for sustainable watershed management. Moreover, underscores the commitment of the DENR for integrated watershed management as a cornerstone of sustainable development and food security in the Philippines.

The outcome of this workshop will also serve as a foundation for crafting policies and strategies that harmonize watershed management with the needs of various sectors dependent on water resources.