Creek beautified, now an attraction

CEBU, Philippines - What used to be a drainage ditch in Cebu City several years ago has now been transformed into a recreational attraction.

Tinago Creek is a proof that beautification and transformation can be realized if someone would initiate, said Tinago Barangay Captain Joel Garganera, who was tasked in June by suspended Mayor Michael Rama to lead the city’s Reduce Danger Zone (ReDz).

Garganera said many continuously doubt that beautification can be done along the 115-meter long creek, which is part of the city’s Estero Pari-an, considering that it had been on the brink of death due to garbage, siltation, and urbanization, among others.

In a press conference yesterday, Garganera presented to Rama the developments along the creek, including the trees and ornamental plants planted and the newly-constructed promenade separating the barangay from Barangay San Roque.

When appointed as head of ReDz, Garganera said he just initially eyed on cleaning up the river, but later on decided to restore the creek to its original state after learning that the 1.5-kilometer Estero served as a passageway for boats transporting goods from the port to the downtown area several years ago.

Due to years of neglect, Garganera said many business establishments and informal setters have encroached in the easement zones of the river.

Change

Garganera first urged barangay officials to help in educating the people especially those living along the river.

After getting rid of the tons of garbage, including human waste, Garganera said a techno-logy was utilized to emit the putrid smell of the river.

The barangay captain also reached out to the Department of Public Works and Highways-7, which was having a road project near the walkway.

“I asked the contractors of DPWH-7 to help me and I was so elated after they agreed and contributed for this project. Various private contractors of DPWH have helped me put up this promenade, that is why I am so thankful,” Garganera said.

Different contractors of DPWH took charge of the concreting of the walkway, putting up fences and plants, among others.

Garganera said the project would pave the way to rekindle the economic activity along the whole stretch of Estero Pari-an, adding that a river cruise for visitors would be an addition soon. He further envisions including restaurants or coffee shops near the area.

People can also use the promenade as an alternative road from Pier 3. They could bike, skate, jog or just walk along the promenade, he said.

The Tinago Creek project has attracted the city’s officials to replicate it to other rivers in the city.  Councilor Ma. Nida Cabrera, who chairs the council’s committee on environment, commended the beautification done in the creek, while stressing that it should come along with a clean water waste.

She said the city should intervene in the beautification as it would help address the sanitation of the creek.

Marc Canton, co-convenor of Movement for a Livable Cebu, also lauded the efforts of Garganera for initiating the change.

He also asked the residents to help in sustaining the project, adding that the city government, civil society and private sectors should also be involved. — (FREEMAN)