Hundreds of runners from various sectors support PBSP’s Marikina Watershed refo, other initiatives

On Sunday, Aug 25, 2019, hundreds of employee-volunteers, athletes, enthusiasts, professionals, and families will once again make a stand for the environment by joining the 2nd Marikina Watershed Family Fun Run organized by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), in partnership with the City Government of Marikina and with PLDT, Inc. as co-presenter.

Runners will participate in the 3K, 5K and 10K categories and will transverse a scenic route involving parts of the city along the Marikina Riverbanks.

Proceeds of the fun run will support PBSP’s Collective Impact initiative in the Marikina Watershed, particularly the reforestation efforts at the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape (UMRBPL).

“We, at PBSP, believe that each of us can contribute in addressing social problems. This is captured in our campaign called #KasaliAko that aims to invite everyone to be involved and included in our nation’s growth and development. By running in the Marikina Watershed Family Fun Run, one is already doing his or her part in helping the environment and is included in PBSP’s collective response that leads to restoring the Watershed and bringing various interventions to the locals,” said PBSP Executive Director Reynaldo Antonio Laguda.

PBSP IN THE MARIKINA WATERSHED

In 2010, PBSP launched its Marikina Watershed Initiative Program (MWIP) as a response of the private sector to the deluge caused by Typhoon Ondoy in September 2009. The deforestation of the Marikina Watershed largely contributed to the record-breaking floods in Metro Manila and neighboring cities at that time. The lack of trees in the watershed left the ground unable to absorb rainwater, which flowed to the lowlands instead.

The MWIP program contributes to the reforestation and revitalization of the Upper Marikina River Basin Protected Landscape. This covers 26,125.64 hectares and spans the city of Antipolo and the municipalities of Baras, Rodriguez, San Mateo, and Tanay, all in Rizal. Based on research, 35 percent of the watershed area should be rehabilitated to improve its biodiversity and increase its water-holding capacity, which will help prevent flooding.

To date, PBSP and its member-companies have reforested 318 hectares and planted around 200,000 native fruit-bearing trees that will also provide sustainable source of livelihood for the locals.

PBSP is working with seven farmer organizations – Tulungan sa Kabuhayan ng Calawis (TSKC), Nagkakaisahang Samahang Magsasaka sa Brgy. Calawis (NASAMASABACA), Ayaas Kay-Rufa Farmers Association (AKFA), Inigan Upland Farmers Association (IUFA), Kolo-Ka-Koloy, Apia United Farmers Association, Inc. and Malayang Samahan ng mga Magsasaka sa Calawis – to maintain the reforested sites.