Herrera
says water is
Bohol's biggest asset
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. | 
