COTABATO CITY — A coordination meeting involving the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE), the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources River Basin Control Office (DENR-RBCO) was conducted to discuss the management of the Ranao Agus River Basin on July 10 at the MENRE Executive Building, Cotabato City.

The discussion focused on updating the Ranao River Basin Master Plan, with an aim to consolidate the development of the master plan within the River Basin and harmonize interventions from various government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and other stakeholders.

During the coordination meeting, the Ministry identified the comprehensive outline for the Master Plan, originally crafted during the ARMM administration. This plan involves stakeholders both from Lanao del Sur in BARMM and Lanao del Norte in Region 10. Additionally, the RCBO presented the installation of HYDRO WATCH instruments, designed for monitoring rainfall and water levels, to be used by PAGASA.

Executive Director Nelson Gorospe assured a follow-up meeting will be held to provide technical assistance and further capacity-building. In coordination with other relevant ministries of BARMM, including BPDA, NAPOCOR, and DENR Region 10, updates to the Ranao River Basin Master Plan will be facilitated.

The meeting saw the participation of MENRE Bangsamoro Director General for ENR Atty. Badr E. Salendab, Biodiversity, Ecosystems, Research, and Development Services (BERDS) Director Mohammad Ali R. Dimaren, Environmental Management Services (EMS) Jalani M. Pamlian, and chiefs Baharudin B. Baulo, Amier -Ashan K. Aplal, SEMS Datun Salipada, and Ryan Al-suwaiden Mangontra. Representatives from MinDA and DENR also attended the meeting.