A watershed, also known as a drainage basin, is an area where all precipitation collects and drains into a common outlet, such as a river, lake, or bay. These natural systems vary in size and encompass diverse landscapes, including forests, mountains, and urban areas. Watersheds play a vital role in supplying water for drinking, agriculture, and industry. They also help filter pollutants, support biodiversity, and act as natural flood controls. Beyond their ecological benefits, watersheds contribute to recreational activities, scenic beauty, and economic industries such as tourism and fisheries. Protecting and managing these areas is essential to ensuring the sustainability of clean water and healthy ecosystems.
In the Philippines, watersheds face serious threats due to deforestation, mining, and inadequate protection policies. More than half of the country’s key basins remain unprotected, leaving them vulnerable to degradation. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has classified 14.2 million hectares of watershed areas as critical, yet only 22% of the nation’s land area benefits from legal protection. Poor governance and policy loopholes allow harmful activities that contribute to biodiversity loss, soil erosion, and increased flood risks. Without stronger enforcement and better watershed management strategies, the country risks long-term water shortages and environmental damage.
To address these challenges, organizations and advocacy groups are pushing for stronger watershed protection measures. The Legal Rights and Natural Resources Center (LRC) recommends integrating watershed management into local planning, increasing public funding for conservation efforts, and prohibiting destructive activities like mining in critical watershed areas. One notable effort is the Angeles Watershed Advocacy Council, Inc. (ARAW-ACI), which has led reforestation initiatives in the Sapang Bato watershed of Angeles City, Pampanga. In response to a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) study listing several Philippine cities as water-critical areas, ARAW-ACI successfully lobbied for the declaration of Sapang Bato as a protected eco-park under House Bill 6201.
Supporting organizations like ARAW-ACI is a tangible way to contribute to watershed conservation. Through tree-planting and ecological restoration projects, they help safeguard the future water supply for communities. Donations can assist in expanding their initiatives, protecting local biodiversity, and ensuring sustainable water resources. Those interested in supporting their cause can contribute to their conservation efforts through East West Bank Account Number: 200046244167 or contact Jumbo Tayag at jumbotayag@gmail.com for more details. By taking action now, individuals and communities can help secure the health of watersheds for future generations.