A Capacity Building for the Multipartite Monitoring Team (MMT) of Cabano Small Reservoir Irrigation Project (SRIP) is currently happening from July 13 to July 14, 2023. This two-day event, held at Fatima Farm Resort in San Enrique, San Lorenzo, Guimaras, aims to enhance the effectiveness of the MMT in monitoring and ensuring environmental safeguards during the project's implementation.
Considered the largest irrigation project in the province of Guimaras, Cabano SRIP began construction in 2022 at Brgy. Aguilar, San Lorenzo, Guimaras. Valued at 875 million pesos, this significant irrigation project covers Barangays Cabano, M. Chavez, Sucalran, San Enrique, Cabungahan, and Aguilar. Once completed, the project is set to benefit 1,304 farmers, covering 861 hectares of farmland.
The formation of the MMT is a prerequisite outlined in the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) granted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) to the National Irrigation Administration (NIA). This requirement ensures that environmental protection, management, and monitoring are diligently overseen throughout the project's construction phase.
During the capacity-building activity, the MMT members and participants will be acquainted with focused and effective techniques for monitoring environmental safeguard issues. The agenda includes comprehensive discussions on relevant laws and regulations, such as RA 9003: the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, RA 8749: The Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999, RA 9275: The Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004, RA 6969: Toxic Substances and Hazardous Waste Control Act of 1990, and the preparation of Compliance Monitoring and Validation Report (CMVR).
The attendees at the event include the MMT members of Cabano SRIP, led by its Chairperson, Municipal Planning and Development Committee Officer Ms. Chatherine Ann L. Gaurana. Distinguished resource speakers on environmental laws from DENR-EMB Region VI, namely Engr. Elena Aguana Catoto, Mr. Philip Edgar M. Arnaiz, Engr. Stella Tipanan, Mr. Lucky Jan V. Jutarciego, and Ms. Marife Del Rosario, will share their expertise. Engr. Randy C. Alipis, Division Manager of NIA Iloilo-Guimaras Irrigation Management Office (IGIMO), as well as staff from NIA Regional Office VI and IGIMO, are also in attendance.
Moreover, as part of the training, participants will have the opportunity to visit the Cabano SRIP site. This site visit will provide them with firsthand observations and interactions with the project implementers, enhancing their understanding of the project's scope and impact.
By strengthening the MMT's knowledge and capacity to ensure environmental safeguards, the Cabano SRIP project aims to achieve responsible and sustainable implementation, fostering a harmonious coexistence between agricultural development and ecological preservation in Guimaras.
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