The Provincial Environment Management Office and Mines and Geo Sciences – Division (PEMO-MGD) spearheaded a meeting earlier this week with the Board Directors and Officers of Allah Valley Quarry Operators of Surallah LGU. This is in partnership with the South Cotabato Foundation Inc. (SCFI) and Tribal Leaders Development Foundation Inc. (TLDFI) held at the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) of LGU – Surallah.
At least 23,000 hills of Afus, Bayog and Botong which will cover 34.15 kilometers approximately is set to be planted along Allah River.
Ten (10) identified barangays in the municipality of Surallah namely: Barangays Buenavista, Colonggolo, Moloy, Centrala, Duengas, Tubi-allah, Lamsugod, Naci, Talahik and Dajay are set to be planted with bamboos. This is in connection with the proposed bamboo riparian re-vegetation along Allah River.
This program is in partnership with Area Development Program Office (ADPO) who will be providing the planting materials to said barangays. The Provincial Local Government Unit (PLGU), Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU) and the Quarry Operators will be responsible for the planting and maintenance to identified areas in Upper Valley.
“According to Ms. Agnes L. Castañares, Acting Division Chief of PEMO Mines and Geo – Sciences Division, this program is with the objective to regulate the quarrying activities at Upper Valley areas”.
The office exerts all efforts to protect and preserve the natural resources in the province of South Cotabato. She added that, Allah Valley Quarrying Operators should adhere strictly to the implementing rules and guidelines which concerns to one kilometer upstream and downstream structures. She reiterated that this is, to protect and align the river flow. And finally said there should be a “regulated quarrying in the Province of South Cotabato”.
