Integrated approach pushed to save Mactan Channel, Butuanon River

CEBU, Philippines - Provincial Board member-elect Arleigh Sitoy is pushing for an integrated plan that would address the problems besetting the Mactan Channel and the Butuanon River in Mandaue City. 

   Sitoy, former mayor of Cordova town, told The Freeman that a coordinated effort among Mandaue City, Cordova, and Consolacion would be beneficial to the three local government units, as it would address the problems of flooding, pollution, and even traffic more easily.

   Sitoy said he will push for the approval of the Mandaue-Consolacion-Cordova-Corridor Integrated and Comprehensive Plan once he sits in the Provincial Board.

   In fact, he said, the problem of the Butuanon River needs the attention not only of the Mandaue City government, but of the provincial and national governments as well. He said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources should be the best agency to look into the problem.

   Former Mandaue mayor and Board member-elect Thadeo Ouano initiated efforts to rehabilitate the river, but to no avail. Reelected Mayor Jonas Cortes also said rehabilitation of the river will be one of his priorities.

   Sitoy said the problem needs a more wholistic approach, as well as the participation of the private sector.

   Pollution of the river is caused mainly by the dumping of human and industrial wastes. Water from the river flows directly to the Mactan Channel.

Beach Resorts and hotel operators in Mactan admitted that the threat of pollution of the Mactan Channel is starting to affect the tourism industry in the island. (FREEMAN NEWS)