PAMB COMMITTEE MEETING ON WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT AND ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN MT. KITANGLAD

PAMB Committee Meeting

The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) conducted a joint committee meeting about Mount Kitanglad Range Natural Park (MKRNP) on July 11, 2023, at the NGC conference hall, Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

The meeting was presided over by PAMB emeritus Datu Eduardo Rautraut. Attendees of the conference include Protected Area Superintendent (PASu) Merlita L. Tabamo, OIC of Menro Libona James Berlin H. Escañer, Deputy PASu Michael Jan Pizzaro, Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) personnel, Barangay Captains from Mampayag, Lindaban, and Dahilayan, representatives from Manolo Fortich Water District, and Municipal Administrator Engr. Joie Caesar M. Gaid as the LGU representative, among others.

Discussion of the meeting revolves around the management, protection, and development of water resources and water systems in the MKRNP and the development of its Ecotourism. Mount Kitanglad is the origin of 29 rivers and 137 creeks, and it is the headwater of the 3 major river systems in Mindanao namely the Pulangui, Tagoloan, and Cagayan de Oro River systems. It is an officially recognized protected area classified as a Natural Park under RA 8978 or the Mt. Kitanglad Range Protected Area Act of 2000.

Chairperson Datu Rautraut underlined the importance of Mt. Kitanglad in our community. “You know, ang atong resource sa Mount Kitanglad, at least the beneficiary lives sa atong community, so kami [PAMB] magastorya kang PASu manuktok sa kasingkasing sa LGU sa Manolo Fortich nga unta ma-increase pod and atong commitment para sa Mt. Kitanglad, for the operation of Mt. Kitanglad.” stated Datu Rautraut as his message to the LGU. PASu Tabamo also stated, “Makita gyud nato kung unsa ka importante ang Mt. Kitanglad when it comes to our water source.”

PASu Tabamo presented the status of water users in MKRNP and Deputy PASu Pizzaro reported the series of clean-up drives atop Mt. Kitanglad and the re-opening of Mt. Kitanglad Summit by August 2023. In addition, the meeting also included the application of the LGU’s proposed development for Water Systems in Barangays Mampayag, Lindaban, and Dahilayan (MAMLINDA) which is a Level 3 water system project aiming to provide safe and potable water to the residents of the three barangays. The proposed project expansion of the water system by the Manolo Fortich Water District and the status of the Demarcation of Strict Protection Zone at Brgy. Dahilayan was also addressed for approval/endorsement to the ExeCom level.