Two years after Seacology’s fund approval for the Anayan – Rumangrap conservation project called, “Community Strengthening thru Sustainable Education for a Substantially Managed Watershed and Water Resources” last June 12, 2019, the Metropolitan Naga Water District (MNWD) has come a long way in its journey to completing the said project. This is a mutli-party collaboration, by and among MNWD, Seacology and the Conservation Farming Community (CFC).

Despite the difficult conditions brought about by the pandemic, MNWD through the Environment and Water Resources Division (EWRD) made sure that the three phases of implementation (1) capacity building, (2) application of acquired technical skills, and (3) construction facilities and machinery to process surplus harvest for commercialization) were undertaken in a timely manner.

MNWD partnered with the Local Government Unit of Pili, Camarines Sur through Pili Municipal Agriculture Office and Binanuaanan Farmers Association at the Mutya Choco Farm for a training on Cacao Propagation and Processing. Sixteen (16) Farmers Cooperators from Del Rosario, Pili, Cam. Sur attended the said training. While a total of five hundred fifty (550) pieces of Cacao seedlings and two hundred fifty (250) coconut seedlings were planted.

Subsequently, the Shared Service Facility and Greenhouse at Del Rosario, Pili, Cam. Sur was constructed despite the challenges brought by the imposition of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

Several other activities were conducted afterwards such as collaboration with government and non-government organizations for the monitoring, maintenance, and protection of the Anayan-Rumangrap Watershed. There have been a number of conducted tree planting activities, the most recent one being on November 21, 2021.

As for the Livelihood Development aspect, five (5) project cooperators of Micro Enterprise and another five (5) project cooperators of Natural Farming, were awarded with seed capital worth P10,000 each.

On November 25, 2021, MNWD organized a joint site visit at the Septage Treatment Facility with the presence of the Sanggunian Panlungsod ng Naga through Hon. Mila S. D. Raquid-Arroyo, Hon. Salvador M. Del Castillo, Hon. Jose B. Perez, Hon. Kylie B. Tripulca, Hon. Lito Del Rosario, Alex San Jose from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), and representatives from Chemical Research, Jose A. Aspiras and Jinky L. Lucena

The site visit was likewise attended by the MNWD Board of Directors headed by Chairman Emeterio L. Aman, GM Virgilio B. Luansing I, and personnel from the Engineering and Environment Department (EED) with Engr. Franco B. Garchitorena, OIC Head, Wastewater Section leading the walkthrough.

Meanwhile, MNWD along with various groups unite for Pagkarahay Tres, “Kapalibutan: Burabod nin Buhay” in line with the celebration of the National Environmental Awareness Month from November 25-30, 2021 at the Naga City Ecology Park. Highlights of the activity include an art exhibit, art installations, and painting competition to name a few.

The event was spearheaded by Kintab Artists Group Inc., with the support of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), MNWD, Isarog Garden Society Foundation Incorporated (IGSFInc.), and the Philippine Wikimedia Community Inc., with a primary objective to promote environmental awareness through arts.

It is MNWD’s ultimate goal to maintain and protect the watershed and the environment as a whole, while improving the people’s environmental ethics and economic well-being. These activities and accomplishments are born out of the society’s commitment to impact positive change and the desire to create a more sustainable environment. (YMMSavilla)

Tree growing activity at the Anayan-Rumangrap watershed, participated in by the members of the Conservation Farming Community (CFC).

Engr. Garchitorena gives an overview of the completed Septage Treatment Facility which is expected to operate in the first quarter of 2022.

The Septage Treatment Facility joint site visit was attended by the MNWD Management and Board, Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Naga, and representatives from CENRO and Chemical Research

Local artists pose for a group photo with their artwork entries during the Pagkarahay Tres Arts Camp Festival – a collaborative project of MNWD, Kintab Artist Group Inc, and Isarog Garden Society Inc. in celebration of the National Environmental Month.