SUSTAINABILITY AND CONSERVATION PROGRAM

Water is a requirement for life. It is the most essential element for ecosystems to thrive. Humans have founded their civilizations alongside water sources and have since channeled the development of culture, economy and society. The role of water from organismal survival to the homeostasis of the biosphere should not only be overemphasized but protected, nurtured, and secured for incoming generations. Protecting and managing this finite resource ensures that society and environment can co-exist under the banner of sustainable development.

Today, water security is threatened by the impacts of climate change and irresponsible human activities. The challenge to curb these impacts rely on our urgent and dedicated commitment to act and be involved.

Benguet State University has taken on this challenge.

water sustainability programs

  • Balili River Rehabilitation Program

The Balili is a very important river system in Benguet. With a length of about 23.8 kilometers, it traverses Baguio city, La Trinidad and Sablan municipalities. According to the Water Body Classification and Usage of Fresh Water by The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Balili is classified as a Class C river. This means that the water quality of the river is not fit for drinking and recreation that may involve contact such as swimming and bathing. It is, however, useful for agriculture, irrigation and use for livestock.

The process of rehabilitating a river requires a concerted effort from various sectors such as the Local Government Units (LGUs), the academe, private sectors, local communities, and other stakeholders. Benguet State University (BSU) involves itself on the areas of: Water Quality Management, research, revitalization, extension services, and partnership.

  • Water Quality Management and Revitalization (WQMA Action Plan, BRSRC MOA)
In line with the DAO 2013-05  designating Balili River a Water Quality Management Area, an action plan for Balili river was conceptualized and pushed for implementation. The plan identified six objectives to which Benguet State University took lead for the first two objectives, namely:
  1. To decrease erosion and siltation and improve vegetation along the Balili river.
    • In partnership with Watershed and Water Resource Research Center (WWRRC) and Governing Board members in La Trinidad and Sablan, BSU has committed to the following program implementation:
      • Tree planting activities
      • Inventory of researches done at BSU
      • Phytoremediation and related researches
  1. To restore the river biodiversity.
    • Biodiversity within the Balili river area has also become a concern as many of the species growing and thriving along and within the river system are indicators of water quality and the overall health of the river. The conduct of a flora and fauna inventory is the initial phase of this program
  • Research (BR Rehab, BR Article, Midland Article)
The research program for the Balili river is a continuing endeavor for all levels of the academe. In response to already existing programs such the Water Quality Management program, researches are being oriented towards a rehabilitative approach for the Balili river. This development has established a multi-dimensional rehabilitation program by BSU. The program centers on four aspects of sustainable rehabilitation that is applicable not only to the Balili river system but to other bodies of freshwater resources as well. The four main thrusts of the research program for the Balili water resource quality management include the following dimensions:
    • Biological dimension
    • Chemical dimension
    • Mathematical dimension
    • Social dimension

partnership AND CONSULTATION

  • Extension (BUED Clean-up Drive, Health Impacts)
Extension programs on river clean ups are initiated by the different university student organization in cooperation with faculty and other employees. Aside from river clean ups, information drives are also conducted for social awareness regarding the importance of uncontaminated water resources.
  • Partnership and Memberships (BR Action Plan, BRSRC MOA)
Part of the success of the Balili rehabilitation program is the synergy of actors working together. BSU has established memberships to relevant organizations and entered into partnerships with lead agencies and LGUs. These memberships and partnerships extend from student organizations to institutional-level agreements. The commitments forged in these partnerships have been central to the sustained development and implementation of the Balili Rehabilitation and Revitalization programs of the university.
  • Adopt an Estero Program
The recognition of the need for the protection, maintenance, and management of tributaries leading to the Balili river has led BSU, the La Trinidad LGU, EMB and DENR to forge partnerships for the “Adopt an Estero” program particularly for the Bolo Creek which is a main tributary of Balili river. BSU as an adopter continues to enhance its programs in line with the success indicators for the water body program.