P200M sought for watersheds

DAVAO CITY—The Mindanao Development Authority (Minda) is seeking an annual budget of P200 million for the management and development of Mindanao’s watersheds and river basins.

Minda is Malacañang’s development arm in the south. Romeo Montenegro, Minda spokesperson, said water management is considered a long-term solution to power problems in Mindanao.

More than half of the island’s energy needs is being provided by hydropower facilities in Bukidnon and the two provinces of Lanao.

Montenegro said that in line with Minda’s thrust to protect Mindanao’s watersheds and rivers, an economy and environment summit will be held here from June 4-5.

Environmental groups had said that deforestation due to illegal logging was the main culprit behind the degradation of the island’s watersheds. Judy Quiros, Inquirer Mindanao