By Sunday Post
Water is Bohol’s biggest asset according to Vice Gov. Julius Caesar Herrera. “Bohol has many assets but the biggest is water,†Herrera declared.
The vice-governor said Bohol’s water supply can become its biggest export in the coming years.
“The value of our water will increase as the water sources in neighboring islands particularly Cebu is drying up,†he added.
Herrera attributed Bohol’s abundant water supply to its forest cover in certain parts of the province.
He however warned that there is a need to protect the trees from illegal logging activities.
“There are people who do not care about the future for as long as they make money,†he complained.
The vice-governor said local governments should help in protecting the forest areas within their jurisdiction because the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) do not have enough people to guard them.
At the same time, he urged citizens to do their share because there are unconfirmed reports that some local officials are involved in the illegal logging activities themselves.
In addition to the protection of the trees, Herrera said Boholanos should actively take part in the reforestation efforts.
“We should plant more trees to replace those that are being cut and to maintain the ecological balance,†he added.
Herrera said the first goal is to assure sufficient water supply for future generations.
Noting that trees do not grow overnight, he said the planting of trees has to start now.
“This is the reason why I always urge our people to plant,†he added.
Herrera said that his vegetable seed distribution project is an important part because it teaches people to plant.
“You cannot expect people to plant trees if they do not have the love to plant even cash crops that do not take long to harvest,†he added.
Herrera said pointed out that beneficiaries who have enjoyed the harvest from the vegetable seeds that he distributed are now eager to plant more.
The vice-governor pointed out that with the water sources in other places drying up at an alarming level, Bohol’s water will be a very attractive commodity.
He recalled that there were offers to buy water from Bohol many years ago so it will not be a surprise if those offers will be revived.
However, Herrera said local supply should be assured first before any export is considered.
He also noted that environmental experts will have to be called in when that time comes to determine how much is the allowable volume of water that Bohol can share with other places.
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