Archival pays tribute to river troopers

CEBU, Philippines — They wade through murky waters, clear out tons of garbage, and endure insults from passersby who mock them even as they risk injury. For Cebu City’s River Troopers, the job is dirty, dangerous, and often thankless.

But as Mayor Nestor Archival marked his first year in office, he chose to honor them, recognizing their sacrifice and resilience in keeping the city’s waterways flowing.

Archival personally handed certificates of appreciation and eco-bags filled with goods to the small team of river troopers, which comprises fewer than 20 casual and job order workers.

He also ensured they were administered vaccines to protect them from the health hazards they face daily in the rivers.

The gesture moved the river troopers to tears, with some saying they felt valued for the first time in a long while.

Ligaya Britania, the group’s leader, spoke candidly about the hardships they endure.

“Sa tinuod lang, kami naa sa sapa, amo gyud ning gipadayon. Bisan kakuyaw among gisagubang sa grupo… Ako dili gyud ko magpanagana na dili makahilak, kay pait kayo ang among kahimtang sa sapa para lang gyud pagtabang sa syudad,” she said.

Britania appealed to residents to stop throwing garbage into rivers, noting that even candy wrappers add to the burden.

“Mga sinako, mga patay, ilabay sa sapa… maluoy sad tawn mo sa nagtrabaho sa sapa,” she added, describing the insults and dangers they face–from wounds to infections–while cleaning the waterways.

Archival himself could not help but get teary-eyed during the ceremony. He echoed the troopers’ plea for respect and cooperation from the public.

The mayor urged Cebuanos to dispose of trash properly, stressing that the work of the river troopers is vital to reducing flooding in the city.

The city produces hundreds of tons of garbage daily, and clogged waterways have long been a contributor to urban flooding.

Archival, who is known for his environmental advocacy, has faced criticism over the city’s garbage crisis, particularly after the Department of Environment and Natural Resources ordered stoppage of the use of the South Road Properties as a temporary dumpsite.

For the river troopers, however, the mayor’s gesture was more than symbolic. They said it was a validation of their work, their sacrifices, and their commitment to the city.

“Ang amo lang gyud nga mahatag namo sa syudad ang kaya namo matabang… dili namo igsapayan ang tanan,” Britania said, her voice breaking.

As Cebu City continues to face environmental challenges, the river troopers remain on the frontlines, clearing debris and garbage so water can flow freely.

Their hope is simple–that fellow Cebuanos will show respect, cooperate, and help lighten the burden by practicing proper waste disposal.

For the river troopers, it is not just a job, but a way of showing they care for the community. — /MRM (FREEMAN)