MENRO INTENSIFIES SAGIP SAPA PROGRAM

LGU Manolo Fortich urges companies and agencies to actively support environmental preservation through Sagip Sapa Program

The Local Government of Manolo Fortich, through the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) and in partnership with Northern Bukidnon State College (NBSC), conducted the Sagip Sapa Program forum for companies and agencies in the municipality. The forum was held at the New Government Center conference room in Barangay Tankulan on February 18, 2025.

According to an assessment by the Environmental Management Board of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the municipality's rivers and streams contain high levels of fecal coliform. This finding was presented by NBSC Faculty Member Melven Valmoria to inform participants about the current state of water quality in Manolo Fortich. The Sagip Sapa Program is an initiative dedicated to restoring and preserving the municipality’s bodies of water. The forum aimed to introduce the program’s objectives to representatives from participating companies and agencies, encouraging them to contribute to its implementation.

MENR Officer Sharon Tacbobo addressed the participants, emphasizing the need for collective action in protecting the municipality’s rivers and streams. “Mag-problema man ta ani but we have to share the burden, naa man gyud tay mahimo in our own little ways. So I hope that you will learn a lot karon nga adlaw, unya ihatag ninyo ang inyong full nga attention to the discussions para daghan pod ang mu-spring out nga maayong huna-huna o plans that you can recommend to your companies or changes that you can recommend in order to help aning atong Sagip Sapa [Program]. I hope we have opened doors of possibilities today,” Tacbobo stated. She also provided an overview of the program’s concept and development. Additionally, Environment Management Specialist Ma. Theresa Dampal discussed policies and local ordinances related to water quality protection.

The forum was attended by representatives from various companies and agencies, including HEDCOR Bukidnon Inc.; Republic Biscuit Corporation; Sta. Clara International Corporation; JBC Food Corporation; Bukidnon Second Electric Corporation Inc.; Princemin Corporation; Dahilayan Forest Park Inc.; Anakciano Inc.; 3M Consolidated Hatchery Inc.; Mambatangan Milling Corporation; Emcor Incorporated; Global Agro-Milling Corporation; A Brown Company Inc.; FG Bukidnon Power Corporation; and UC-1 Corporation.

One of the participants, Belinda P. Alcarez, a Pollution Control Officer (PCO) from BUSECO, expressed her support for the LGU’s initiative. “Nitatak gyud sa akoa ang current situation sa water quality diri sa atong lungsod, gi-unsa pagpaningkamot sa LGU to preserve the water bodies and that kita tanan is responsible ani. As PCO importante sa akoa ni nga forum aron madugangan akong kahibalo sa RA 9275 - Water Quality Management, aron pod makabalo ko sa responsibilities of BUSECO nga ma-relate sa movement ani sa LGU para rapud sa kaayuhan sa tanang member-consumer-owner ni BUSECO,” she stated.

Municipal Mayor Rogelio N. Quiño also voiced his concerns about the municipality’s water quality, expressing hope that the participating companies and agencies would support the Sagip Sapa Program. “Ang atong proteksyon sa atong sapa pinaagi sa Sagip Sapa Program, it’s in collaboration of the companies nga nag-operate dinhi sa Manolo Fortich ug ang tinuuray nga pagtabang sa panahon sa mga programa dinhi sa atong munisipyo kay di man gyud ni namo mahimog kami ra,” said Mayor Quiño.

Also present during the forum were Vice Mayor Reynaldo L. Bagayas Jr., along with Sangguniang Bayan Members Coun. Rina E. Quiño, the Committee Chairperson on Environment, as well as Coun. Raquel Abales, Coun. Joy L. Cordovez, and Coun. Elzevir Dagunlay.