The hydrogeologic assessment of Mt. Iraya watershed in Batanes is now underway. Led by Dr. Patricia Ann J. Sanchez, Professor, SESAM, this project is initiated by the Local Government Unit of Basco, Batanes in partnership with UPLB Interdisciplinary Studies Center for Water and funded by Forest Foundation Philippines (FFP). 

The project aims to establish hydrogeologic baseline data in Mt. Iraya watershed, the major water source of the whole municipality. This would help to ensure the sustainability of the watershed services and responsible water utilization of the consumers.

The team conducted the social component of the project last July 9 to 15, 2018 in Basco, Batanes. The Focus Group Discussion (FGD) was participated by representatives from different sectors– LGU, Local People, Water Boys, Institutions, Commercial/Business owners and other people’s organizations. Community resource mapping was done to determine the watershed boundaries and existing water sources (e.g. deep wells, pumps, springs) and SWOT analysis to identify the issues and concerns on water resources of municipality.

Another component of the social assessment is hydrocensus– a sectoral survey (household, commercial and institutional) and Key Informant Interview (KII) which was conducted in six Barangays of Basco with the help of Barangay Health Workers (BHW) to determine the water utilization and consumption pattern of the community.

The “water boys” of the municipality guided the team in visiting the 15 water resources comprising of springs and water pumps for preliminary assessment of water quality and quantity.

The next project activities will focus on the geologic assessment, water quality and quantity analysis of Mt. Iraya watershed. (Unice Faith A. Roa)