Alliance of Six forges an agreement for protection and preservation of the Marikina watershed

The magnitude of difficulties and harsh
memories brought by typhoon "Ondoy" has given reason to the formation
of the Marikina Watershed Environs Integrated Resource Development
Alliance, otherwise known as the Alliance of Six.

Transcending territorial boundaries, inter-local cooperation and
partnerships among local government units (LGUs), the private sector,
and citizens’ groups, among other stakeholders, have strongly been
forged.

With the alliance being supported by mandates from the Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) signed by the respective local chief executives of
Marikina City, Pasig City, Antipolo City, Cainta, Rodriguez, and San
Mateo towns, the restoration, protection and preservation of the
Marikina watershed and its environs become the heart of its short and
long-term goals for development.

The signing of MOU was held during Marikina City’s recent "Ondoy"
commemoration at the Roman Garden of the Marikina River Park.

Mayor Del De Guzman inked a pact alongside Mayor Danilo Leyble of
Antipolo, Mayor Robert Eusebio of Pasig, Mayor Ramon Ilagan of Cainta,
Mayor Cecilio Hernandez of Rodriguez, and Mayor Jose Rafael Diaz of
San Mateo.

“All of us, the worst-hit areas and the respective LGUs, need to work
together for improved coordination, policy harmonization, development
of socio-friendly livelihood alternative and settlements that will
provide protection as well as development of the watershed and its
environs. We at the city government hope that with this alliance, we
can better address the concerns and provide solutions to pressing
problems such as the looming danger of flooding,” said De Guzman.

In the MOU, the alliance acknowledges the dire need to pool its
resources and expertise for effective disaster risk reduction and
response, and shall develop plans and financing solutions for the
protection and development of the Marikina watershed.

The alliance likewise believes that the people’s participation will
play a vital role in the protection, maintenance and upkeep of the
Marikina watershed, including disaster risk and solid waste
management.

Posted in: Alliance of Six forges