The Metropolitan Naga Water District (MNWD) with the Business Community and stakeholders are bound in a common mission to protect the Mt. Isarog Natural Park (MINP), a major watershed for the entire province of Camarines Sur which provides the water supply needed by all sectors.

The MNWD came up with the idea of convening the business community to solicit their commitments for the noble cause of sustainable development not only for the present but more for the future generations. Thus, a convention was held on October 24, this year, at the MNWD Multi-Purpose Hall with representatives from Naga City and other LGUs, representatives of the 3rd and 4th Districts, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Camarines Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Naga City’s top 20 water consumers, other concerned agencies and stakeholders, in attendance.

Program started after the registration at 9 am with the Invocation and the National Anthem. GM Cesar Federizon gave his opening remarks followed by the welcome address of Chairman Aquiles Lo. Director Jorge Palma then gave the Convention overview with a Powerpoint presentation.

MNWD Board of Director, Mr. Jorge Palma, giving the Convention Overview.

Vice Mayor Nelson Legacion delivered a message in behalf of Mayor John Bongat who was out of the country.

4th District Congressman Noli Fuentebella, who was in Geneva, Switzerland for the Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly, sent a message read by his representative Celia San Jose.

Video messages from the Vice President Leni Robredo, DENR Usec Marlo Mendoza, FMB-DENR Director Ricardo Calderon were shown creating a favorable impact on the participants.

Mr. Armando Omolida, Protected Area Superintendent of the DENR in Camarines Sur reported on the status of projects, activities, and plans in MINP. Next in the program was the area updates and duties of our Agta brothers by Engr. Santiago Belmonte of the National Commission on Indigenous People (NICP).

Everyone listening intently. Participants from the Media, LGU’s and from different Private and Government Agencies were eager to pay attention to the convention presenters.

To cap the presentations, Engr. Virgilio Luansing I of MNWD’s PDCD and EWRD showed the contests in line with the Public Awareness Program of the water district.

Other attendees include: Hon. Gabriel H. Bordado and Ms. Glenda Dasco from the 3rd District; Ms. Celia Toralba San Jose from the 4th District; Mr. Philip Batilet of the Department of Tourism; Engr. Robert D. Sheen ARD – Technical Services, and Atty. Arnel P. Rodriguez, ARD – Management Services of the DENR Regional Office. Representatives from different LGU’s were also present, including: Hon. Tomas P. Bongalonta from Pili; Hon. Corazon M. Olos, Mr. Marlon Joson, and Engr. Virgie Nacario from Ocampo; Hon. Raquel S. Lim from Tigaon; Engr. Jimmy Guadalupe from Goa; and Hon. Eduardo A. Severo from Calabanga. Other Government Agency Representatives were also in attendance, including: Ms. Melody E. Relucio from DILG; Mr. Efren Daniel de Leon from BRTC; and Col. Michael Buhat, and Capt. Ronnie Madriñan from the Philippine Army.

Commitments setting ended the convention with the representatives of each institution/agency/LGU signing on the Commitment Tarpaulin and the Memorandum of Agreement document.

MANIFESTATION OF SUPPORT TO THE REHABILITATION, CONSERVATION, PROTECTION AND ECO – TOURISM DEVELOPMENT OF MOUNT ISAROG NATURAL PARK (MINP). The Participants Signing the Commitment Tarpaulin and the Memorandum of Agreement documents.