In the rugged spine of Northern Luzon lies the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), often hailed as the “Watershed Cradle of the Philippines.” Its mountainous terrain gives rise to a vast network of rivers—lifelines that nourish ecosystems, sustain livelihoods, and shape the cultural identity of its people. But beneath the surface of these flowing waters is a complex story of abundance, vulnerability, and resilience.

River systems of the Cordillera region

CAR is home to 13 major river systems, including the Chico, Abra, Ibulao, Agno, and Amburayan Rivers. Originating from the highlands, these rivers flow toward the lowlands, feeding significant water bodies such as the Magat and Cagayan Rivers. They serve multiple functions—supporting irrigation, hydropower generation, and sustaining a diverse range of freshwater species.

One notable example is the Ibulao River in Ifugao, a tributary of the Magat River. A study conducted from 2015 to 2019 and published in The Philippine Journal of Fisheries in 2022 documented 18 fish species in this river alone, including four endemic and two native species, highlighting its ecological importance.

In the same year, another study reported the discovery of a goby species in the Amburayan River in Benguet, previously believed to be endemic only to the Ryukyu Islands in Japan. These findings reflect the region’s high level of biodiversity and the need for continued ecological monitoring.

Both studies were conducted under the National Stock Assessment Program (NSAP), a flagship initiative of DA-NFRDI, in close coordination with the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) regional offices. The program aims to provide science-based data to inform effective fisheries management and conservation strategies.

Fisheries as a key contributor to CAR’s economy

Although often overshadowed by agriculture and mining, inland fisheries and aquaculture contribute significantly to the economy of the region. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), CAR produced 1,899.6 metric tons of fish in 2022, with aquaculture accounting for 91 percent of the total output and inland municipal fishing contributing about nine percent. The provinces of Ifugao and Abra were the leading producers, jointly responsible for more than 78 percent of CAR’s total fishery production.

While fisheries represent approximately one percent of CAR’s total agricultural value, they play a vital role in providing protein sources, supporting rural livelihoods, and contributing to food security in upland communities. These findings were highlighted in a 2020 study published in the Journal of Nature Studies. Commonly harvested species include tilapia and common carp, while native species such as the giant mottled eel and large snout goby continue to hold cultural and ecological importance.

Biodiversity and conservation effort

Despite their ecological and economic importance, the river ecosystems of CAR face increasing environmental pressures. Forest loss and watershed degradation, primarily driven by agricultural expansion and illegal logging, have contributed to declining water quality and altered hydrological patterns, according to PSA. The introduction of non-native species such as Nile tilapia and common carp has also contributed to biodiversity loss by competing with native fish populations. In addition, erratic rainfall patterns linked to climate change have disrupted natural spawning cycles, further stressing aquatic ecosystems.

Efforts to conserve these resources are hindered by limited research, insufficient monitoring, and constrained funding. A 2020 PSA review noted that a significant number of biodiversity-related studies in the region remain unpublished or inaccessible, with research activities largely concentrated in the province of Benguet. This lack of accessible data and research utilization limits the development of evidence-based conservation policies and community initiatives.

While programs implemented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Cordillera Administrative Region (DENR-CAR) including the Enhanced National Greening Program and the LAWIN Forest and Biodiversity Protection System, have contributed to forest rehabilitation and watershed protection, the conservation of aquatic biodiversity may require more localized, participatory approaches that engage communities directly in stewardship and sustainable resource management.

Fostering a shared responsibility

Beyond their physical landscape, the rivers of the Cordillera represent more than just natural features; they are cultural landmarks, economic resources, and ecological lifelines. While inland fisheries may seem modest in scale, they remain essential to the region’s livelihoods and food systems. Protecting these waters requires an integrated approach that brings together indigenous knowledge, scientific research, and supportive policies.

When research is lacking or undervalued, crucial warning signs, like declining fish populations or shifting ecosystems, go unnoticed. Without timely data, decisions become reactive rather than proactive, and local fishers bear the consequences without the tools or guidance to adapt effectively.

Research and development (R&D) play a critical role in shaping solutions, yet without adequate investment and visibility, valuable findings often stay in reports rather than informing actions that strengthen food security, climate resilience, or sustainable livelihoods. Progress happens when research fosters dialogue, when scientists, communities, and decision-makers work together to chart a shared path forward.

In this way, research becomes more than a technical activity, it becomes an act of responsibility and a long-term investment in the well-being of both people and ecosystems.

As the Philippines continues to pursue sustainable development, the highland rivers of the Cordillera remind us that even quiet, remote waters hold deep significance, for culture, for communities, and for the country’s future. ### (Norvida Gatdula)