'Coastal Cleanup Day' in Cebu City tomorrow

Barangays, non-government organizations and the city government have teamed up for the citywide cleanup drive on creeks, canals and other waterways tomorrow in a campaign to protect coastal resources and help enhance awareness on the importance of environmental conservation.

Acting Mayor Michael Rama, in a press conference yesterday for the 4th Coastal Cleanup Day, urged residents in the coastal barangays where creeks, canals and rivers are located to participate in this effort in order to raise awareness on the importance of keeping waterways in their areas clean.

"Imagine kung wala ta'y cleanup drive nga mahitabo?" Rama said as he pointed out that waterways become stagnant because debris and garbage clog up canals, rivers and creeks.

Rama, who also sits as chairman of the Cebu Coastline Management Board, stressed that with the onset of the rainy season, there is an urgent need to clear the city's waterways.

Councilor Gerardo Carillo, action officer of the Cebu City Disaster Coordinating Council, said that a comprehensive report showed that uncontrollable structures that have encroached on esteros, creeks, and rivers have clogged up the waterways, eventually resulting to constant flooding of city streets.

The inadequate drainage size, according to Carillo, also causes overflowing after heavy and continuous rain. "Frequent flooding incidents have been very alarming and must be addressed immediately if we are to prevent life-staking disaster from taking place," Carillo said.

The simultaneous cleanup activity in various barangays will kick off at 6:00 a.m. tomorrow.

Barangay captains in coastal areas, non-government organizations and city department heads also attended yesterday's press conference. - Garry B. Lao/MEEV