The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), through the leadership of OIC PENR Officer Forester Enrique C. Pasion, facilitated the technical meeting/review on the management and operation of the 632.78-hectare watershed being maintained by the Metropolitan Tuguegarao Water District since 1996. The activity was held on September 21, 2023 and was participated by the PENRO Officers and the MTWD Watershed Management Team at MTWD Bldg. Audio Visual Room.This undertaking aims to explain and review the requirements regarding the application of Special Use Agreement in Protected Areas (SAPA). The review of the related documents and memorandum of agreement that anchors on applicable laws and issuances by the government was also taken into consideration since a transition from the 1996 MOA into SAPA may take place.

The main objective of SAPA is to optimize special uses of protected areas consistent with the principles of sustainable development and biodiversity conservation in cooperation with the stakeholders. The maintained and protected watershed area of the District consisting of Dabba spring, Vunnung spring and Mangga spring, is rich in flora and fauna and other biomass, and serves as a water source recharge that supplies water to certain areas of Tuguegarao City.

General Manager Engr. Miller C. Tanguilan, CESE expressed his gratitude to the officers of PENRO headed by Forester Pasion for sharing their time and expertise on SAPA application process.

It is always a commitment of MTWD to conserve, develop and promote the wise utilization of the natural resources and ensure sustainable and adequate supply of water from the watershed for the public it serves and for the present and future generations.