Question & AnswerQ&A (DENR MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 2009-02)
The Ipo Watershed is vital to the sustainability of quality water supply for Metro Manila as it is the transit point of water coming from the Angat Watershed before reaching the La Mesa Watershed Reservoir.
The deterioration is caused by uncontrolled and massive forest degradation due to illegal settlements, illegal forest products harvesting, frequent destructive fires, and conversion of forest lands for cash crop production resulting in sand, silt, and rock deposition into the Ipo Dam Reservoir.
The authority to manage the Ipo Watershed is pursuant to Republic Act No. 7586, also known as the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS).
The MANILA WATER COMPANY, INC. (MWCI) and the MANILA WATER SERVICES, INC. (MWSI) are granted clearance to assist in the management of the Ipo Watershed areas.
MWCI and MWSI are jointly authorized and directed to negotiate and enter into agreements with private entities capable of rehabilitating, protecting, and managing critical watershed areas for the Ipo Watershed.
The agreements refer to the implementation of rehabilitation, protection, and development programs strictly for the rehabilitation, protection, and management of the Ipo Watershed consistent with DENR rules and regulations.
Any Memorandum Orders and Circulars inconsistent with this memorandum are repealed or modified accordingly as per the repealing clause in Section 3.
The memorandum order took effect fifteen (15) days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation and receipt of a copy by the Office of the National Administrative Register.
Proclamation No. 391 places the Ipo Watershed under joint management by these authorities.
DENR Administrative Order No. 2005-23 entitled 'Adoption and Implementation of Collaborative Approach to Watershed Management' supports the collaborative approach.