Pudtol, Apayao- Mayor Hector Reuel D. Pascua on Tuesday, Nov. 5, announced that the municipality is Cordillera’s official entry to compete at the National level for the prestigious Rivers for Life Award through the Malunog River.
“We are glad, and privileged to represent the whole region for the esteemed Rivers for Life Award this year, and we attribute this to our collective efforts towards the preservation of the Malunog River,’’ Mayor Pascua said during the National validation conducted by EMB-Central Office.
The Malunog River is a tributary of the vast Apayao-Abulug river basin which spans 8,816 hectares and stretches over 63.73 kms. The river originates from Barangay San Jose and flows thru Barangays San Mariano, Cabatacan, and Alem in Pudtol. It then streams to the Municipality of luna in Barangays San Sebastian and Cangisitan, and converges in Barangay San Francisco.
In 2003, the Malunog River was classified as ‘class C’ river by the EMB-CAR due to its beneficial uses such as fishery water for the propagation and growth of fish, for irrigation and livestock watering for agriculture sustaining over 36,000 lives of residents, and serves as recreational for boating, fishing, and other similar activities. Said river remains as the top 5 cleanest river nationwide.
According to the water quality monitoring conducted, the Malunog River possesses biochemical oxygen and dissolved oxygen- a requirement indicated under the water quality guidelines for class c rivers capable to support aquatic life.
Although one of its uses is for fishing, strict implementation of the LAPAT system is also observed among communities to allow native fish species to multiply in number.
Pudtol MLGU and Luna and Pudtol are currently working together to ensure the protection and preservation of the Malunog river, in which some projects have been implemented to safeguard the cleanliness of the river.
The projects were based on their approved ten-year solid waste management plan which include the establishment of solid waste collection system, formulation and enacted ordinances, installation of public advisories, a managed material recovery facility, incorporation of sanitary landfills, formed MOA with the junk shops, and livelihood cooperatives pertaining to waste materials, as well as strategic infrastructure among other interventions.
Pudtol is also collaborating closely with the DENR and various stakeholders to manage the river and its watershed.
The source of the river is where the majestic and enchanting newly discovered tourist spot, the ‘Paraappa falls,’ is located.
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