The Central Luzon State University – College of Fisheries/Freshwater Aquaculture Center (CLSU-CF/FAC) spearheaded an ecological assessment of Sumacbao River that traverses the Minalungao National Park in General Tinio, Nueva Ecija. The group was headed by Dr. Ravelina R. Velasco, CF Acting Dean and SDG 14 Lead (Life Below Water) together with her 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 as a protected area through Republic Act 51000 on June 17, 1967.
This monitoring activity is part of the CF/FAC's extension/community service and of the Area-based Management Plan being implemented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office Nueva Ecija.
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 for 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 (EMB).
Results of monitoring showed that water quality parameters such as temperature, total dissolved solids, pH, hardness, alkalinity, total ammonia nitrogen, phosphorus, nitrite 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/FAC in Sumacbao River, a Memorandum of Agreement between involved parties was renewed last October 2021.
