Pact signed for full river rehab

CEBU, Philippines - A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed yesterday by the Mandaue and Cebu City governments, as well as non-government organizations for the full rehabilitation of the Butuanon River and Butuanon Watershed.The signatories comprise the Butuanon River Watershed Management Board (BRWB).

The watershed occupies 1,500 hectares with 12 barangays in Cebu City and nine barangays in Mandaue City.

However, the Butuanon river is currently at an alarming state for being highly polluted with industrial and domestic wastes, according to a study conducted by the Soil and Water Conservation Foundation (CWSF).

This alarming state is seen to continue as more industry and residential activities are undertaken in both Cebu City and Mandaue City.

During yesterday’s MOA signing, each member of the board pledged commitment in the implementation of all projects and programs to rehabilitate the river and the watershed. The board is being chaired by Mandaue Mayor Jonas Cortes and co-chaired by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama.

The signatories agreed to communicate constantly in the implementation of the programs and to promote the programs to the general public, especially to the international community. They committed to share technical expertise on planning and management.

They committed further to lead members and participants of the various rehabilitation programs regardless of the change of officers and/or representatives. The Board also agreed to work with the Central Cebu River Basins Management Council when necessary for consultation and technical assistance purposes.

Signatories of the said MOA were Cortes, Cebu City Councilor Nida Cabrera on behalf of Rama; Maximo Dichoso, DENR-7 Regional Executive Director; Fernando Quililan, DENR-EMB Regional Director; Rene Llanto, DOST-7 Regional Director; Armando Paredes, General Manager of MCWD; Fe Walag, Director of the University of San Carlos Water Resources Center; Edmond Dantes  Ouano, Director of the Pollution Control Association of the Philippines; Josep Gapas, president of the Soil and Water Conservation Foundation; and Eric Mendoza, president of the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry. (FREEMAN)