LET’S LEARN
EnP Salim B. Biclar, MPM
The watershed areas in Capiz permeate the municipalities of Tapaz, Jamindan, Mambusao, Maayon, Dumarao, Pontevedra, Pilar, President Roxas, and Roxas City. Primary Panay River Basin and other major rivers and creeks pass through these areas.
Forest Land Use Plan is vital in the protection, conservation, and management o watershed areas. It needs
to be integrated with the LGUs Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) and Development Plans for implementation and institutionalization.
The Panay River watershed area (219,772.48 has.) embraces almost the entire province of Capiz and the portion of Northern Iloilo.
There are issues and threats in forest lands that need attention and consideration, that if properly
addressed can help much in watershed protection.
It includes among other things the following: rapid population growth and the influx of migrants; lukewarm support LGUs; indiscriminate upland farming scheme; and resistance to the forest
rehabilitation program, etc.
The loss of forest covers and unprotected watershed areas leads to loss of wildlife, reduced water supply, massive soil erosion, drought, and flooding. Such occurrence affects food security, agricultural production,
damage to infrastructure, and the loss of lives and property.
With the present situation, of having constant flooding, high-rise water level, landslides, soil erosion,
etc., our province is in constant fear of such risks and continue to be such until something can be done rightly and evidently address the situation.*
