A group of researchers and students from the College of Fisheries (CF) and Freshwater Aquaculture Center (FAC) spearheaded an ecological assessment of the Sumacbao River that traverses the Minalungao National Park in General Tinio, Nueva Ecija on November 20, 2021. The group was headed by Dr. Ravelina R. Velasco, CF Acting Dean and SDG 14 Lead (Life Below Water) together with Department Heads and Project Leads, Dr. Lorenz J. Fajardo and Dr. Alvin T. Reyes. Joining the pool of experts were Mr. Jaypee S. Samson, Mr. Jhon Christian P. Suyom, Mr. Ismael P. Geroza, and Ms. Twinkle G. Barangan. The Minalungao National Park was declared a protected area through Republic Act 51000 on June 17, 1967.
The monitoring activity is part of the CF/FAC's extension/community service and Area-based Management Plan implemented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office Nueva Ecija.
Three sampling stations were strategically established along the Sumacbao River for on-site analysis of physical water quality parameters using multi-parameter equipment. Additional water samples were collected from the same sites for analysis of chemical water parameters and general assessment of biological components such as plankton and coliform in the laboratory. The collected data were compared to the prescribed water quality standards set by DENR – Environmental Management Bureau.
Results of monitoring showed that water quality parameters such as temperature, total dissolved solids, pH, hardness, alkalinity, total ammonia nitrogen, phosphorus, nitrate, and total coliform count were within the desirable ranges set by the DENR-EMB. This means that the river water is suitable for use under Class B (recreational) and Class C (propagation and growth of fish and other aquatic resources). Based on initial identification, major plankton species in the river include Actinastrum, Melosira, and Ceratium.
To further strengthen and continue the monitoring activities of CLSU-CF in Sumacbao River, a Memorandum of Agreement between involved parties was renewed last October 2021.
