DENR holds public hearing for reclassification of river

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environmental Management Bureau V (DENR-EMB V), together with the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur, through the Environment, Disaster Management, and Emergency Response Office (EDMERO CAMSUR), conducted the Public Hearing for the Reclassification of Bicol River and Creation of CamSur - Provincial Rivers Waterbodies Management Council on August 25, 2023 at the Fuerte CamSur Sports Complex.

The motion has convened representatives and officials from the offices of the Provincial Government of CamSur, DENR-EMB V, Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU), Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), national government agencies at the provincial level, academic institutions, and civic and private organizations.

Based on the data gathered and evaluation of the DENR-EMB V, their study shows that from the Class A classification of the Bicol River, its water quality has reduced since its last classification in 1976.

After careful deliberation during public consultation, the Bicol River has been reclassified from Class A to Class B Waters in the Upper and Class C Waters in the Lower.

Subsequent to the public hearing and reclassification, the creation of CamSur - Provincial Rivers Waterbodies Management Council (PRMC) was held. The establishment of PRMC CamSur will serve as the recommendatory and advisory group for the management and development of the Bicol River and its tributaries. pgomultimedia