Barangay Up-uplas has set aside a wide plot of land near a tributary of the Amburayan River which they have carefully reforested with the help of a number of organizations including JVOFI. They have strictly implemented local ordinances for its protection and maintenance.

Creating a culture of environmental consciousness

On November 3, 2015 the community leaders of barangay Up-uplas in Sudipen, La Union gathered for a session to discuss, among other concerns, the state of the Amburayan River. The Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Inc. (JVOFI) was present to facilitate the discussion and provide updates of the project, Protecting and Defending the Amburayan River Basin and Watershed through Good Governance and Active Peoples’ Participation.

The trees that have been planted under the project have been carefully tended and fenced. The community has taken it upon themselves to regularly weed and apply fertilizer to ensure that the saplings grow vigorously.The community leaders proudly identified what they have been doing for the protection of the river. This includes the strict implementation of their solid waste management plan and their continuing efforts in reforestation. The Amburayan River is a source of food for the residents of Barangay Up-uplas which is located far from markets and centers of development. The fish that the river yields have fed countless families which makes its protection a major concern for the community.

When communities along the river willingly and enthusiastically assume responsibility for their water resources, they begin to form an enduring culture that recognizes the importance of environmental protection, a culture which will be passed on to generations to come.

Protecting and Defending the Amburayan River Basin and Watershed through Good Governance and Active Peoples’ Participation is a project funded by the USAID through the Gerry Roxas Foundation (GRF) and is implemented by the Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation Inc.  (JVOFI).