Koronadal City, South Cotabato, Philippines | March 3, 2026-The Provincial Government of South Cotabato, through the Office of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer, conducted periodic monitoring and mentoring activities for farmer beneficiaries managing an 8.9 hectare Assisted Natural Regeneration site along the Pathom River in Sitio Lamluma, Barangay Little Baguio, Surallah.
Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer, Siegfried Flaviano emphasized that healthy river systems are directly linked to food security, clean water supply, and community safety.
“Forested watersheds help regulate water flow, reduce sedimentation, and improve overall water quality,” Flaviano said.
Studies from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations highlight that restored forest landscapes significantly contribute to climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable livelihoods for rural populations.
According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Assisted Natural Regeneration is a cost effective and sustainable method of restoring forest cover, improving biodiversity, and strengthening watershed functions.
Situated along the Pathom River, the 8.9 hectare site plays a crucial role in stabilizing riverbanks and protecting surrounding communities from soil erosion and flooding.
OPENRO personnel provided technical guidance on proper silvicultural practices, including site protection, maintenance of planted native species, and natural seedling management to ensure higher survival rates and long term forest growth.
Farmer beneficiaries managing the site continue to receive mentoring and capacity building support from the province.
“This partnership model empowers local communities to become active stewards of natural resources while providing opportunities for supplemental income through sustainable land management practices,” he said.
The Biodiversity Corridor Project connects fragmented forest patches across key areas of South Cotabato to allow wildlife movement and strengthen ecological balance.
By rehabilitating riverbanks and degraded lands, the province reinforces its long term strategy to protect critical ecosystems that support agriculture, fisheries, and domestic water use.
Governor Reynaldo Tamayo, Jr. has consistently underscored that environmental protection is directly tied to public welfare.
“Investments in watershed rehabilitation reduce disaster risks, safeguard farmlands, and ensure reliable water sources for households and irrigation systems. The provincial government views environmental governance not only as conservation work but as a public service that protects lives and sustains economic activity,” the governor said.
The activity was led by the Forest and Inland Water Management Division under the Biodiversity Corridor Project of the province. The initiative forms part of Gov. Tamayo’s continuing commitment to environmental protection, disaster resilience, and sustainable rural development under his flagship governance agenda anchored on integrity, inclusive growth, and people centered public service.
Through sustained monitoring, technical mentoring, and community engagement, the Provincial Government of South Cotabato continues to advance responsible environmental management that delivers tangible benefits to present and future generations.
