Baha sa matataas na bahagi ng Rizal, isinisi ng PIO nito sa dami ng ulang ibinuhos ng... | 24 Oras

Summary

The recent heavy rains in Rizal, Philippines, have led to landslides, prompting public concern over deforestation and quarrying. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) suggests that urbanization, not just quarrying, may be contributing to the sedimentation of mountain areas. The upper Marikina watershed, shared by Antipolo, Baras, Rodriguez, San Mateo, and Tanay, is under scrutiny for its forest cover, with only 20% remaining in the protected area. The DNR reports that less than 25% of the forest cover is fairly intact, while 42% is moderately covered. Environmentalists call for limiting activities that affect watersheds, such as construction and quarrying, to prevent further damage.

Takeaways

• 🏞️ The mountainous areas of Rizal are considered sacred by some, but recent urbanization has led to concerns about environmental degradation.
• 🌊 The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) suggests that urbanization, not just quarrying, could be a significant factor in the sedimentation of mountain areas in Rizal.
• 🚧 Infrastructure development, such as roads and buildings, has been cited as a cause of the flooding issues in Tanay and other areas due to the inability of water to flow naturally.
• 🌧️ The public information office of the province is criticized for not effectively managing the distribution of rainwater, especially during typhoons like Enteng.
• 🌳 Deforestation in the upper Marikina watershed has been a topic of discussion on social media, with some attributing it to quarrying activities.
• ⛏️ The Department of Environment and Natural Resources claims that only a small percentage (around 1%) of the Marikina watershed is affected by quarrying.
• 🚫 There are no active quarries or mining in the protected upper Marikina watershed, and permits have been cancelled for such activities.
• 🌿 The forest cover in the protected area has been significantly reduced, with only 20% remaining, according to the Masungi Georeserve Foundation.
• 🏡 Environmentalists argue that activities that contribute to environmental damage, such as construction and urbanization, should be limited, especially within watersheds.
• 🏞️ The law states that only forest-dependent communities and IPs are allowed to live within protected areas, reflecting a policy to preserve these spaces.

Q & A

Why are some mountainous areas in Rizal considered prone to landslides?

The mountainous areas in Rizal are considered prone to landslides due to their high elevation, which makes them susceptible to heavy rainfall and the subsequent risk of landslides.

What is the Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) stance on urbanization as a cause for landslides in Rizal?

The DNR suggests that urbanization might be a contributing factor to landslides because it can lead to cemented areas that do not allow water to seep through, increasing the risk of landslides.

What measures is the public information office of Rizal province taking to address the landslide issue?

The public information office is focusing on directing the public's attention to areas where rainwater should be channeled to make prompt decisions and preparations for response actions.

What is the role of the upper Marikina watershed in the context of the landslides in Rizal?

The upper Marikina watershed is a critical area that has been studied for its deforestation and quarrying activities, which may contribute to landslides. However, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources states that only a small percentage of the watershed is affected by quarrying.

How does the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) view the impact of quarrying on the forest cover in Rizal?

According to the DENR, the impact of quarrying on the forest cover in Rizal is minimal, with only about 1% of the entire Marikina watershed affected. Moreover, the upper Marikina watershed, which is a protected area, does not have any active quarries or mining.

What is the current forest cover status in the protected area of the upper Marikina watershed?

The forest cover in the protected area of the upper Marikina watershed is reported to be significantly reduced, with only 20% remaining, according to the Masungi Georeserve Foundation.

What is the percentage of intact forest cover in the watershed according to the DNR?

The DNR states that about 25% of the forest cover in the watershed is fairly intact, while less than 42% is considered to have moderate forest cover.

What is the environmentalist's view on the impact of urbanization on landslide risks?

Environmentalists suggest that urbanization activities, such as the construction of residential areas, should be limited due to their impact on water absorption and the increased risk of landslides.

Who are allowed to live within the protected areas according to the laws?

According to the laws, only forest-dependent communities and indigenous people's communities (IPs) are allowed to live within protected areas.

What has been the progress in terms of flood control projects in the mentioned areas?

Despite more than 10 years passing, there has not been sufficient change in terms of flood control projects to address the issues of landslides and flooding in the area.