“Protection of the environment goes beyond boundaries, cultural differences challenges faced, beliefs and experiences.” One lesson that was shared and given emphasis during the writeshop conducted on February 28 to March 2, 2017.

Participated by 52 project partners and 8 JVOFI project staff, an exchange of best or good practices and lessons learned during the implementation of the Amburayan River project took part during the 3-day activity.

These stories and best practices will be written down & will form part of the project info kit that will be disseminated to project stakeholders for possible replication in other communities in the same situation.  Insights regarding how the Amburayan River Project inspired and moved the different partners in promoting and as well as implementing different acts for the protection of the Amburayan River were pondered upon. Their zeal for the project even broadened— partners continue to implement their own activities regarding protection and preservation of the environment such as tree planting, recycling, production of IEC materials regarding saving the environment and the like.

In addition, the Monitoring and Evaluation plan for the 10 Year WQMA Plans was formulated by the project technical working group during a workshop last January 28 and February 1, 2017.

As shared by one partner, “Protection of the Amburayan River is a shared responsibility.” Indeed, this project aims to build unity amongst the different partners. Their stories inspire and motivate others in continuing towards the project’s goal.

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).