RIVERS are the lifeblood of the Earth and of the human civilization. They act as drainage channels of surface waters and carry water and nutrients through great distances. Rivers serve as habitat and provide food to many organisms. In the Philippines, there are eighteen (18) major river basins and four hundred twenty-one (421) principal rivers. As of 2017, three hundred thirty seven (337) of the total number of classified principal and small rivers are under Class C or water intended for fishery where propagation and growth of fish and other aquatic resources is feasible; and industrial water supply class I, which is treated water from manufacturing processes.

R.I.V.E.R.S for Life Award to raise importance of rivers in PHL. (2018, October 6-7). The Daily Guardian, p. 13.