Planting the future: Marikina Watershed
Platform for Collective Engagement
Marikina Watershed
The Marikina Watershed covers 26,125.64 hectares and spans Antipolo City and the municipalities of Baras, Rodriguez, San Mateo, and Tanay, all in the province of 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.
In 2010, PBSP together with various stakeholders supported the Marikina Watershed Initiative Program (MWIP). The MWIP was launched as a response of the private sector to the deluge caused by Typhoon Ondoy in September 2009. Nine years after, Metro Manila and nearby municipalities continue to face the challenges of flooding and other climate-related vulnerabilities. Thus, it is necessary and vital to continue working for the improvement of the Marikina Watershed.
To date, PBSP’s reforestation efforts have covered 304 hectares of the Montalban-Wawa and Boso-Boso Subwatersheds with the support of at least 25 companies. PBSP continuously works 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.
Various interventions on health, education, and livelihood are also implemented to complement the reforestation activities. These include the provision of potable water systems, supplementary feeding for schoolchildren, repair of classrooms, donation of reading nooks and school desks, and distribution of farm equipment and supplies. The farmer groups are also assisted through workshops on organizational development and financial literacy, and learning sessions on new technologies in farming.
In 2018, PBSP strengthened its awareness-raising for the Marikina Watershed by organizing its first Family Fun Run. Around 700 runners joined the activity to support PBSP’s collective work for the benefit of the Marikina Watershed.
PBSP hopes to engage more companies and maximize corporate citizenship as we increase access to systemic solutions to rehabilitate the Marikina Watershed in 2019 and beyond.
