Alimit River of Ifugao breaks into RIVERs for Life 2025 Top 5

Ifugao, Philippines – The winding Alimit River of Ifugao outshone contenders from across the country, earning a spot among the Top 5 finalists of the RIVERs for Life Award 2025.

What is RIVERs for Life?

Launched in 2018 by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the RIVERs (Recognizing Individuals/Institutions towards Vibrant and Enhanced Rivers) for Life Award incentivizes the rehabilitation of Class C rivers, which are suitable for aquatic recreation and agriculture, through collective local action against pollution.

“It honors rivers that are not only ecologically significant but also culturally and socially important, emphasizing the partnership between local communities and government agencies in safeguarding watersheds,” the DENR–Cordillera stated.

The Lamut River, also located in Ifugao, was the program’s inaugural winner, taking home a P100,000 cash prize. Since then, DENR–Cordillera entries have maintained a strong track record as finalists, and in the 2022 search, Ifugao’s Ibulao River secured another first-place award.

Alimit River

For the 2025 edition of the initiative, DENR–Cordillera endorsed the Alimit River as the region’s official entry.

The scenic waterway, which serves as a major tributary of the Magat Dam, passes through several municipalities in Ifugao, including Banaue, Aguinaldo, and Mayoyao.

Part of the main river system is the “Snake River,” named for its serpentine path or snake-like twists and turns through the terrain of Ducligan, Banaue.

According to DENR–Cordillera, the river is recognized not only for its clear waters and rich biodiversity but also for its cultural significance to local communities. It serves as a source of livelihood, a site for traditional rituals, and a symbol of the enduring relationship between the people of Ifugao and their natural environment.

Its tributaries, the agency added, sustain rice terraces, farms, and forests—reinforcing the river’s vital role in maintaining ecological balance and preserving cultural heritage.

Earlier this month, a designated team from the DENR Central Office conducted field validation and ocular inspections of the river and its tributaries to assess ecological conditions, protection efforts, and community-based conservation initiatives. The validation process included interviews with local officials.

Other finalists

Aside from the Alimit River representing the Cordillera region, the other Top 5 finalists are Talisay River (Region 3), Polangui River (Region 5), Sapu Masla River (Region 12), and Tandag River (Region 13).

Entries are evaluated based on water quality improvement, solid waste management, and program sustainability.

Winners are set to be announced in February, with the top three entries receiving monetary prizes of P100,000, P75,000, and P50,000, respectively.