Call out to protect city’s last clean rivers

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO) is now calling for community participation and environmental protection for the parts of some city rivers that remain clean and unspoiled following recent water quality tests.

This comes as most of other city rivers were found to be polluted and already degraded.

During the latest regular session, CCENRO transmitted its report on the most recent water quality testing to the council through Councilor Joel Garganera, chairman of the Committee on Environment. The report was signed by special investigator Jayvan Tapia and Engr. Myka Marie Llanos, and was also reviewed by CCENRO heads.

The series of tests was conducted in December 2024 by a CCENRO team aiming to identify portions of Cebu City's rivers that are still considered pristine and clean, assess the rivers’ health, identify threats, and outline recommendations moving forward.

In its report, CCENRO ruled that while many rivers around the city suffer from “pollution and degradation”, there are still some parts of rivers that remain clean and unspoiled. The office highlighted that this is the first time the city has conducted its own testing.

As indicated, CCENRO evaluated nine rivers, which include six of the seven declared major rivers of the city -- Bulacao, Kinalumsan, Guadalupe, Lahug, Mahiga, and Butuanon-- as well as portions of the Lusaran, Cotcot, and Mananga Rivers that fall under the jurisdiction of Cebu City.

For the Cotcot River, the headwater of which was tested in Sitio Sayaw, Barangay Taptap, it was determined that most of its portions belong to the Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL). Its condition was assessed as exhibiting minimal disturbance, as there are no inhabitants along the riverbanks.

The Lahug River, on the other hand, has been identified as “significantly” disturbed, particularly downstream. It was stressed that human-related activities have led to increased waste and other forms of pollution, especially in the Sudlon and Lahug areas.

As for the Guadalupe River, CCENRO determined that it is known to be heavily polluted due to the condition of its river mouth, located between the barangays of Pasil and Ermita, where heavily accumulated garbage is observed, particularly spreading into the coastal area. Water quality assessments conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources show elevated levels of fecal coliform at this site.

The portion of the Guadalupe River around Sitio Napo in Barangay Sapangdaku was said to be exhibiting sub-optimal conditions, suggesting that this area experiences less disturbance compared to the more polluted lower sections.

For the Lusaran River, its headwater was found to be in “sub-optimal” condition, with its stream described as clear and with minimal visible trash. The headwater of the Butuanon River was also shown to be in a sub-optimal condition. CCENRO noted that the water is clear and the stream has a wide, full-width area, although not all parts of the channel are covered by flowing water.

The condition of the Mahiga River’s headwater was assessed as marginal due to significant amounts of trash, as many residents live near the stream.

Furthermore, the headwaters of the Bulacao River --shared by Cebu City and Talisay City-- were also considered marginal.

“The water is not clear. A major concern is that the river has essentially become a dumping ground for trash, with large amounts of waste accumulated along its banks,” part of the report read.

The headwater area of the Mananga River, assessed near Sitio Laguna, Barangay Buot-Taup, also belongs to the CCPL and is considered marginal. According to CCENRO, one of the main reasons for this marginal condition is the ongoing dredging and channel alteration in the area.

In addition, the area assessed for the Kinalumsan River, located near Sitio Dam, Barangay Buhisan, was reported by CCENRO to be in “poor” condition.

In conclusion, CCENRO declared that the remaining clean rivers of Cebu City need protection to ensure they remain healthy for future generations.

“By protecting these rivers, we not only preserve nature but also safeguard human health and livelihoods. Human activities such as deforestation, industrial waste disposal, and agricultural runoff pose constant threats to these vital water sources,” a portion of their report further read.

They also reiterated that a number of pristine rivers belong to the CCPL. Although these areas fall under the jurisdiction of Cebu City, they are managed by the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO).

In line with these findings, CCENRO emphasized the need to tap barangay officials and communities to conduct environmental campaigns.

“They can enforce local ordinances against pollution, illegal waste disposal, and other harmful activities affecting rivers and natural ecosystems,” the CCENRO said.

“Furthermore, they serve as a bridge between government agencies and the community, ensuring smooth coordination and proper dissemination of information,” they added. — (FREEMAN)