Area : 4,923.66 sq. km.
Region : CAR, I
Provinces : Abra, Benguet, Ilocos Sur, Mountain Province
Municipalities : 47
Barangays : 519
Outlet : West Philippine Sea
Est. Pop’n : 1.617 M (2010)
RBO : Abra River Basin Management Council
RDC Reso. :
Forestland : 3,862.45 sq. km.
A&D : 1,061.21 sq. km.
NGP Area : 378.30 sq. km.
“An economically sustainable, climate-change resilient and environmentally stable Abra River Basin supporting Godcentered and empowered stakeholders.”
“Undertake sustainable development and management of Abra River Basin resources through Integrated River Basin Management (IRBM) approach for mutual benefit of all stakeholders and Mother Earth”
Structural
-Flood Control/Weirs, Slope/River Protection,
Evacuation Centers, AWS/ARGs, SWIPS
Non-Structural
- Weather Monitoring and Early Warning Systems, Research and Development (Vulnerability assessment, cropping calendar, drought-tolerant crops, vegetative cover, agroforestry/ windbreaks), Fire Protection (Firelines and Firebreaks)
1. Advocacy and Public Awareness
The Council will be a primary advocate of sustainable development in the river basin and avid supporter of wise use of natural resources. A “public awareness program” can be implemented to change attitudes of individual and institutional stakeholders from unawareness to an avid supporter of the programs
2. Planning
The Council will be the “chief planner” regarding the river basin. It should be able to integrate the plans of various institutions and organizations and develop mechanisms/strategies to facilitate implementation.
3. Coordination
The Council will serve as coordinating institution basin wide in the implementation of plans and programs and will have powers to:
a) evaluate development programs and projects and set priorities; b) seek external funding – national and foreign, and; c) monitor/evaluate the implementation of projects by national and local governments, and by NGOs, basin-wide,
4. Manage the Involvement and Participation of Stakeholders
Bring in more stakeholders into the RBO and win everyone’s commitment towards the achievement of a common goal. Problems and concerns in the basin should be addressed. This could be done through negotiations, conflict resolutions, mediations, meetings and other means to maximize their participation in in all aspects of management to achieve the objectives of the organization. Role of women could also be emphasized and necessary gender development interventions may be applied. Likewise, strengthening of organization and institutional stakeholders will be done. Emphasize the sharing of skills and resources to realize common goals and interests.
5. Capacity Building
The Council should build up local capabilities to manage watershed issues. Capacity Building interventions could be done to transfer knowledge, develop skills, and infuse appropriate technology to stakeholders.
6. Research, Development and Knowledge Management
For the council to effectively carry out its mandates, research, development and knowledge management should be institutionalized and strengthened.