According to Dr. Portia Lapitan, who spearheads the project on “Community-
“The participants were particularly trained on how to make rainwater harvesting structures. The structures will enable farmers to collect run-off water and store it for irrigation purposes during the dry periods,” Dr. Lapitan shared.
The project is also mobilizing the community and building its capability to conserve the soil, plant and water resources of Cambantoc as part of its objectives to improve the well-being of people in the watershed.
The forest reserve, Dr. Lapitan said, is in danger because of over-exploitation and natural calamities. Thus, it is important for the people residing and making a living from the watershed to preserve the environment.
As an important component of the environment, the Cambantoc wateshed comprises 35% of the total land area of the Mt. Makiling Forest Reserve and drains its watrs into the Laguna Lake. Aside from being a main source of water for several communities around Mt. Makiling, it also provides a significant source of livelihood for upland dwellers. (By Miraflor E. Castor and Florante Cruz )
