The Razon-led Prime Infrastructure Inc. (Prime Infra) recently donated over ₱6.2 million in support of the Watershed Instrumentation Program, a strategic initiative of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) designed to strengthen the Philippines’ water security and climate resilience through science-based data collection and monitoring.
DENR Secretary Raphael Lotilla and Prime Infra President Guillaume Lucci signed the Memorandum of Agreement and Deed of Donation to formalize the partnership at the DENR Central Office in Quezon City.
During the event, Lotilla underscored the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in safeguarding the country’s natural heritage for present and future generations.
“This aims to enhance the conservation and sustainable management of our natural resources.”
“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,” the environment chief said.
“Let today’s signing be a living commitment that inspires other sectors to follow suit,” the environment head added.
Watershed instrumentation plays an important role in understanding, managing, and protecting water resources. The installation of specific instruments generating real time data and information relevant to the characterization of the watershed condition is crucial in designing watershed management interventions. These include disaster risk reduction strategies, community preparedness, and long-term monitoring and evaluation.
Under the agreement, the DENR will procure the necessary sensors, instruments, calibration, and provide fencing for the effective implementation of the program.
“The donation is more than just a financial contribution.”
Lucci explained the donation is more than just a financial contribution. It is an investment in transparency, in proactive resource management, and overall health of our 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.
One Automated Weather Station will be installed in the Upper Marikina River Watershed to measure key environmental parameters such as air temperature, relative humidity and 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 Administrative Order No. 2005-23 is a policy that aims to establish a framework for the sustainable management of watersheds through promoting meaningful and active participation of stakeholders within the watershed.
Supporting the country’s sustainability priorities, Prime Infra is an infrastructure developer and operator focused on building and operating assets in sustainable energy, waste management, and water.
