Razon-led Prime Infrastructure Capital has signed a memorandum of agreement and deed of donation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to strengthen the country’s water security and climate resilience through science-based data collection and monitoring.
The parties stated on Monday, stating that under the partnership, Prime Infra has also donated over P6.2 million to support the Watershed Instrumentation Program. The DENR will then procure the necessary sensors, instruments, calibration, and provide fencing to ensure the effective implementation of the program.
The DENR stated that specific instruments generating real-time data and information relevant to watershed conditions will be installed, as these are crucial for designing management interventions, such as disaster risk reduction strategies, community preparedness, and long-term monitoring and evaluation.
The agency stated that one automated weather station will be installed in the Upper Marikina River Watershed to measure key environmental parameters, including air temperature, relative humidity, pressure, rainfall, wind speed and direction, and solar radiation.
The station will also generate data for stakeholders to come up with informed decisions, particularly in developing early warning systems for floods and landslides to help communities and local governments prepare and respond to such extreme weather events.
DENR Secretary Raphael Lotilla underscored the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in safeguarding the country’s natural heritage.
“This aims to enhance the conservation and sustainable management of our natural resources by establishing strong partnerships with organizations that share a high level of commitment to environmental protection and preservation,” he emphasized.
Lotilla is also optimistic that increased private sector participation will occur in the future.
Meanwhile, Guillaume Lucci, President of Prime Infra, said that the donation is “more than just a financial contribution” as it is an investment in transparency, proactive resource management, and the overall health of the country’s watershed.
“This will not only benefit the Upper Marikina River Watershed, where it’s one of our project locations, but it will also allow us to contribute meaningfully to the broader environmental goals of the country,” he added.
