City renews pact forming Task Force Kinaiyahan for Oro, Iponan Rivers protection

THE 20th City Council, led by Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez, enacted Ordinance No. 15012-2025 authorizing the City Mayor Rolando A. Uy to enter into and sign the Revised Memorandum of Agreement with different national government agencies, local government units, and non-government organizations for the protection of the Cagayan de Oro and Iponan Rivers Watershed by establishing Task Force Kinaiyahan.

The City, being mandated to share with the national government the responsibility for the sustainable management and development of the environment and natural resources with other local government units, will ink this partnership with the LGUs of Iligan and Misamis Oriental with the help of their respective congressional representatives, who will support legislative initiatives and secure budget allocation to enhance the enforcement activities of the task force.

The regional offices of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Environmental Management Bureau, Department of Interior and Local Government, and the National Bureau of Investigation will also take the lead in executing efforts and complementing expertise in strategic planning to address the issues and challenges related to the city waters and its resources including their vicinities.

To enforce environmental laws and investigate and prevent crimes, the Philippine National Police; Bureau of Immigration; 4th and 1st Infantry Divisions of the Philippine Army; Tactical Operations Group 10 and the 15th Strike Wing, 590th Airbase Group of the Philippine Air Force have been delegated the task.

They will also be responsible for the maintenance of peace and security in the said areas.

Sulog and Cagayan De Oro River Basin Management Council will likewise take part in this initiative in the hopes to establish a multi-sectoral team to evaluate and monitor the environmental impact, damage, and progress of both rivers.

Environment Committee Chair Councilor Roger G. Abaday and Laws and Rules Committee Chair Councilor Edgar S. Cabanlas sponsored the said legislation.