BY LEANDER C. DOMINGO
TUMAUINI, Isabela (September 12, 2025)—The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region 2 (Cagayan Valley) has approved P6 million worth of environmental projects for six barangay within the Tumauini Watershed Natural Park in this province.
According to DENR Region 2 Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan, during the 3rd Quarter PAMB En Banc Meeting, the Board approved the allocation of P1 million each to six barangay local government units (BLGUs) in the municipalities of Tumauini and Cabagan.
These projects will be financed through the Protected Area Retained Income Account of the Integrated Protected Area Fund or IPAF, in accordance with Republic Act 11038 or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 2018.
Underscoring the importance of investing in environmentally sustainable projects in protected areas, Bambalan, who also chairs PAMB, said that the funding will be used to implement solar-powered street lighting and water system projects.
“These projects not only help meet the basic needs of our communities and deliver essential services, but they also contribute to local economic development,” she said.
Bambalan added that the projects are also geared toward strengthening climate resilience and addressing the environmental challenges posed by climate change.
The five barangay that will implement the solar street lighting projects are Antagan 1st, Cumabao, Caligayan, Dy Abra and Camasi in Tumauini town.
The DENR Region 2 said that each barangay will be installed with 300-watt solar-powered street lights along critical dark areas to reduce energy costs, address frequent power outages, minimize environmental impacts, and improve community safety by reducing accidents and crime risks.
Meanwhile, in Barangay Masipi East in Cabagan town, a 30-cubic-meter elevated water tank will be constructed to enhance the existing solar-powered water system.
The project is expected to benefit around 380 households by ensuring a more reliable and equitable water supply, particularly during the dry season.
A DENR report also shows that from 2022 to 2025, the protected area has generated more than P76 million in revenues through IPAF collections sourced from entrance and user fees, special use agreements in protected areas fees, surcharges, and forest charges.