Enviro News Asia, Quezon City – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Prime Infrastructure Inc. (Prime Infra) formalized a partnership to boost watershed monitoring and water security in the Philippines through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) and Deed of Donation at the DENR Central Office in Quezon City.
DENR Secretary Raphael P. M. Lotilla and Prime Infra President Guillaume Lucci signed the agreement, which involves a donation of over ₱6.2 million to support the Watershed Instrumentation Program. The initiative aims to strengthen the country’s climate resilience by using science-based monitoring to assess and manage watershed conditions.
Secretary Lotilla emphasized the importance of partnerships in conserving natural resources, highlighting that the collaboration reflects shared commitment to environmental protection. He also called on other sectors to follow the example of Prime Infra in supporting sustainability efforts.
Prime Infra President Lucci said the contribution is not only financial but also a long-term investment in proactive watershed management and climate resilience. He noted that the program will initially benefit the Upper Marikina River Watershed, one of the company’s project locations, while also contributing to broader national environmental goals.
As part of the agreement, DENR will procure and install advanced sensors, instruments, and calibration systems, along with protective fencing. An Automated Weather Station will be deployed in the Upper Marikina River Watershed to monitor parameters such as air temperature, humidity, pressure, rainfall, wind speed and direction, and solar radiation.
The data generated will help local governments and communities design early warning systems for floods and landslides, enhancing preparedness and disaster risk reduction strategies.
This partnership aligns with DENR Administrative Order No. 2005-23, which promotes stakeholder participation in watershed management, and supports the country’s broader sustainability priorities. (*)
