05/08/2026
KGI to Lead “Save the River Movement” for a Cleaner and Healthier Cotabato City
Cotabato City | August 4, 2026
A new chapter in environmental stewardship has begun as stakeholders convened at the Cotabato City Session Hall for the committee hearing on the proposed River Protection Ordinance of Cotabato City, presided over by Atty. Anwar Malang, Chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Laws.
The meeting brought together representatives from government agencies, civil society organizations, the academe, and environmental advocates to discuss a comprehensive and long-term strategy for protecting and restoring the city’s rivers.
One of the major proposals is the creation of the Cotabato City River Protection Board, which will serve as the city’s primary policy-making body for river conservation and water resource management. A Technical Working Group (TWG) will likewise be organized to provide technical expertise and ensure effective implementation of programs and policies.
Atty. Malang also shared learnings from a recent drainage management meeting in Davao City, highlighting best practices that could strengthen Cotabato City’s flood mitigation efforts and river rehabilitation initiatives.
The proposed ordinance recognizes the vital role of local communities in restoring the city’s waterways. Discussions included the need for stronger coordination with barangays, particularly those located along riverbanks, to address environmental concerns and encourage community participation in river protection efforts.
To strengthen collaboration, the meeting proposed the establishment of the Save the River Movement, a multi-sectoral volunteer movement that will serve as the community support arm of the River Protection Board. The movement aims to unite government agencies, barangays, schools, youth organizations, civil society organizations, faith-based groups, and the private sector under one shared mission to protect and revive Cotabato City’s rivers.
The KGI also emphasized that environmental awareness should begin in schools by promoting cleanliness as a shared responsibility rather than a form of punishment. Instilling environmental values among the youth is seen as a key step toward building a culture of stewardship for future generations.
The committee further discussed the adoption of modern water monitoring equipment to support evidence-based decision-making and strengthen river management efforts.
A significant milestone of the meeting was the designation of Kutawato Greenland Initiatives, Inc. (KGI) to lead the Save the River Movement. KGI expressed its gratitude for the trust and opportunity to spearhead this initiative alongside its multi-sectoral partners, recognizing that protecting the city’s rivers requires collective action and shared responsibility.
“We are deeply honored by the confidence entrusted to KGI. This movement is not about one organization, it is about every Cotabateño taking part in restoring the lifeblood of our city. We can build a future where our rivers are clean, thriving, and a source of pride for generations to come,” KGI Chair shared during the meeting.
The Committee on Laws also committed to closely coordinating with barangays situated along the river systems to ensure inclusive participation and strong community ownership of the initiative.
Guided by the vision, “Save Cotabateños by Saving the Rivers of Cotabato City,” the initiative sets an ambitious goal of restoring the city’s rivers between 2026 and 2040. While the vision is long-term, implementation will begin immediately in 2026 through benchmarking activities, awareness campaigns, fundraising initiatives for river rehabilitation, membership drives for the Save the River Movement, and the exploration of pilot floating markets that promote both environmental conservation and sustainable local livelihoods.
The proposed River Protection Ordinance represents more than an environmental policy. It is a commitment to climate resilience, public health, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. More importantly, it reminds every Cotabateño that protecting our rivers is a shared responsibility.
Because when we save our rivers, we save our people, our environment, and our future.
