By JONAS REYES | November 20, 2025

IBA, Zambales — The Zambales government has adopted a conservation plan to protect and manage the watershed of Bagsit River, a popular attraction in Palauig town visited by thousands of tourists each year for its unspoiled swimming and picnic area.

Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. said the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Zambales formally presented the Bagsit River Integrated Watershed Management Plan (IWMP) 2025 to the Bagsit River Watershed Management Council (BRWMC) for adoption in a meeting on November 17.

Ebdane serves as as BRWMC co-chairperson along with PENRO head Marife L. Castillo.

The governor said the Bagsit River Watershed Management Plan was designed to ensure stronger protection of the watershed, and create a more organized and comprehensive management framework that will guide future programs, policies, and strategies for effective, efficient, and long-term conservation of the Bagsit area.

Formed in October 2024, the BRWMC is composed of members from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), local government units, national government agencies, and key watershed stakeholders working to maintain the health and stability of Zambales’ water resources.

Participants in the Nov. 17 meeting to adopt the management plan included National Irrigation Authority (NIA) Project Assistant II Kristina M. Mendoza, Sharon Herrera and Conrado Samonte of the Environment and Natural Resources Office of Zambales (ENROZ), Emmanuel Adaoag of the Provincial Planning and Development Office, Chairperson Cristina L. Dayrit of Kababaihan, Kabataan, Katutubo, at may Kapansanan para sa Kaunlaran ng Kinabukasan ng Zambales, Donnaver Guevarra of CENRO Masinloc, Miguela Ramirez of PENRO, Atty. Christopher Lawrence Monato of LGU Palauig, and OIC MENRO Yves John Bricke Akle of LGU Iba.

The Zambales government under Gov. Ebdane, continues to push for the preservation of primary watersheds in the province, a task, he said, that requires the cooperation of various groups in the public and private sectors.

Bagsit River, located at Sitio Dampay in Brgy. Salaza, Palauig, is a well-known natural attraction, recognized for its clear turquoise waters and lush surroundings. It is a popular spot often visited as a side trip en route to Mt. Tapulao, also known as High Peak, the highest mountain in Zambales. 