Execs address squatting, water at Busol watershed

By Gaby B. Keith

BAGUIO CITY – The city government here has launched the "Baguio Blue Walk Project," a three-pronged environmental program envisioned for the conservation of the Summer Capital's critical Busol watershed, augmentation of water supply by harnessing surface water and restoration of the river tributaries of the forest reserve.
    On Monday, Mayor Benjamin Magalong led teams from the offices of the City Planning and Development Coordinator under architect Donna Tabangin and the City Environment and Parks Management under lawyer Rhenan Diwas to inspect the watershed.
    Magalong said the project was hatched to address the long-time problems of squatting and water supply shortage at the Busol watershed, which is the biggest source of potable water in the city and the pollution of the Balili River.
    Diwas and Tabangin said the program took shape upon the mayor's order for the conceptualization of the Busol watershed management plan, which gave rise to the planned creation of the community-based watershed management area that integrates community participation and engagement in watershed conservation. Since then, the city has been conducting engagements with the watershed occupants on the plan, and has done public scoping, social profiling and technical survey of the area.
    During the inspection, the group toured the watershed and inspected water sources including the water recharging and rainwater harvesting facilities.