Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya – Nueva Vizcaya Representative Timothy Joseph E. Caton has filed House Bill No. 4502, the Comprehensive and Expanded Protection of Watersheds of Nueva Vizcaya Act, which calls for stronger protection and management of the province's vital watersheds.
The measure recognizes the Nueva Vizcaya watersheds as watershed protection areas, and bans destructive activities such as logging and mining.
It also creates a Watershed Conservation Monitoring Council to oversee rehabilitation, enforcement and coordination with national agencies.
Mr. Caton urged Congress to swiftly pass the bill, calling it “essential protection” for the headwaters that supply irrigation, homes and hydropower in the Cagayan Valley.
Meanwhile, the Dupax del Norte City Council urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to file charges against a mining firm for alleged illegal tree cutting during a road project in Sitio Cayon, Barangay Bitnong.
In Resolution No. 163, S-2025, the Council cited violations of Presidential Decree No. 705 (Revised Forestry Code) after the local environmental office damaged or cut down 16 trees without a permit, including two trees that were cut down with a chainsaw while the cutting application was still pending.
Vice Mayor Rick Ronelson D. Asuncion said the move reflects the city's commitment to protecting its forests. “We must protect our natural resources for future generations,” he said. He urged the DENR to act swiftly on the matter. , artemio a dumlao
