Benguet’s Upper Amburayan River among PH’s top water quality champions

Buguias, Benguet - One of Cordillera’s natural resources, the Upper Amburayan River System (UARS) in Benguet, was recognized as among the bodies of water in the country with good water quality. 

The Upper Amburayan River System made it to the top 16 national finalists in the Search for Outstanding Water Quality Management Area (WQMA) 2025.  

The country’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) conferred the award during the 2025 National Water Summit held in Quezon City on June 27.  

The award was given because of the river’s improved water quality and outstanding pollution control. Receiving the award was Kapangan Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Dennis G. Dionisio, according to the EMB-CAR. 

Behind the recognition is the collaboration between the LGUs, residents, and other stakeholders in protecting the river, ensuring that ordinances are passed, violations are monitored, and pollution sources are addressed.  

While Sabangan Bay in Puerto Galera was named this year’s WQMA Gold awardee, the inclusion of the Upper Amburayan River System as among the top WQMAs is a milestone for Cordillera, proving that government and people collaboration can create national impact.  

About Upper Amburayan River  

Flowing through the municipalities of Buguias, Atok, Tublay, Kapangan, Kibungan, and Bakun in Benguet, the Upper Amburayan River was designated as a Water Quality Management Area in 2018.  

The designation is under the Republic Act No. 9275, or Clean Water Act of 2004, given by the DENR to specific water bodies in the country that need protection and rehabilitation. 

Since the designation, local officials and residents have worked together to protect the river from water pollution.

The river gives life to farms, as it is among the water supply of farmers in said towns for their crops. It is also an attraction to the people where they can swim, picnic, and do other leisure activities.