Cebu City residents urged: Support river cleanup

CEBU, Philippines — For the second time this year, the Cebu City government will be cleaning the six-kilometer downstream of Bulacao River tomorrow.

With this, the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) urged the public especially the people living near the river to join the city and the Environmental Management Bureau-7 in the cleanup drive.

“Ga-expect mi nga ma-finalize ang paglimpyo sa Bulacao kay mag-launch mi sa contest per cluster nga cleanest sitio,” CENRO Head Ma. Nida Cabrera told The FREEMAN.

Cabrera said the office needs the cooperation of the people living along the river to ensure that the river will remain clean.

Last February, the city, with the help of 1,500 volunteers, collected at least 22 tons of garbage after the cleanup along the 11-kilometer Bulacao River.

This Saturday, Cabrera said the city is assigned by the EMB to clean the downstream portion of the Bulacao River, which starts from Inayawan bridge up to the river mouth.

After the cleanup, she said the CENRO will launch the “cleanest sitio” contest, a search for the cluster that will maintain their river as clean as possible, next month.

At least 19 clusters are identified by CENRO that will be joining the contest. These clusters will be judged based on cluster’s ability to develop and enhance the river, participation of the residents of every cluster, greening program, and recycling component in the area.

“Gituyo namo ang per cluster or per sitio para naay participation ang community sa pag-rehabilitate sa river nato. Dili man pwede kon ang city ra,” Cabrera said.

The city will give the clusters a month of cleaning, improving, and rehabilitating the portion of the river which is part of their area of responsibility.

Prizes at stake are P50,000; P30,000; and P20,000 for the first, second and third place, respectively. There will also be consolation prizes.

Cabrera said she plans to hold the contest every year to ensure the sustainability of the project. — KBQ (FREEMAN)