MANILA, Philippines — A conservation organization in Rizal raised alarm over the clearings and illegal encroachments in the Upper Marikina Watershed as it called on authorities to take urgent action against the destructive activities happening inside the protected area. There has also been an increase in alleged encroachments and construction of resorts inside the watershed, she added. Of all places, it should be well-managed and well-protected from human exploitation, as defined by law,” Dumaliang, also a convenor of the Upper Marikina Watershed Coalition, said in a message to Philstar.com Monday. Protected watershedThe Upper Marikina Watershed is a protected area that forms the upper area of the drainage basin of the Marikina River. Proclamation 296 issued in 2011 declared the Marikina Watershed Reservation a protected area and renamed it to UMRBPL.

Source: Philippine Star May 17, 2021 13:18 UTC