THE ENVIRONMENTAL group Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS) raised alarm over the influx of residents welcoming the New Year at the section of the Panigan-Tamugan watershed on Jan. 1.
IDIS took its disappointment to social media after noticing several Davaoeños trooping to the Panigan River to swim, a part of the watershed zone as stipulated in the 2019-2028 Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of the city.
In a Facebook post on Jan. 3, IDIS condemned the activity highlighting that public access to the areas shall follow the local ordinance, particularly the “Guidelines on the Conduct of Recreational Activities Within the Watershed Areas of Davao City.”
The ordinance requires prior certification from the barangay, which requires any individual to submit a list of items they will bring to the area for approval.
IDIS explained that the Davao City Watershed Code of 2007 Rule IV, Section 11, prohibits developments in the protection zone, including structures or fences for business enterprises.
“Considering the mass volume of people, the Bantay Bukid volunteers observed the aftermath of various wastes such as plastics, liquor bottles, cigarette butts, and, etc.,” the post reads, stressing the activity violated Section 11 E of the code prohibiting “dumping or disposing of any waste product detrimental to plants, animals and inhabitants thereon.”
The group calls on Davaoeños to observe responsible tourism to better contribute to preserving the future water source of the city.
“Given these circumstances, we strongly advise the public against visiting the Panigan-Tamugan Watershed, as it can potentially cause significant harm to the environmentally critical area, which serves as the city’s vital source of drinking water,” IDIS post reads.
Photo: Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS) Facebook
