Hopes high for Butuanon River’s revival

CEBU, Philippines - The restoration and rehabilitation of the 24-kilometer Butuanon River in Cebu is among the top priorities of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Central Visayas.

Engineer William Cuñado, DENR-Environmental Management Bureau-7 regional director, said they want to revive the Butuanon River, a highly contaminated water body which is bordering along densely populated areas in Cebu City and Mandaue City, just like the Iloilo River.

The river, he said, would be showcased in next year’s International River Summit as part of the government’s initiative to strengthen the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004.

Cuñado said the challenge for the government and other stakeholders to rescue the choked, trash-filled river is difficult but doable considering the success shown by Iloilo City in cleaning up its river.

The 1.2 kilometer park along the Iloilo River, called the Esplanade, is now a favorite promenade site and tourism showcase.

Cuñado said there is still hope for the Butuanon River, which is considered as among the “worst” rivers in the country, after EMB-7’s monitoring team spotted a fish swimming in the river.

This, he said denotes that the river is still habitable.

To revive the river, he said there is a need to further intensify operations in cleaning the river, particularly the tributary along the Mandaue City.

Cuñado said the government needs the cooperation and collaboration from different stakeholders especially the large-scale industries by mobilizing their pollution information officers to make sure that only “clean water” is being discharged into the river.

He said the regional agency has been converging with the Mandaue City government, industries, subdivisions and households to address concerns on solid waste management and septage treatment.

In fact, Cuñado said the Mandaue City government is now crafting plans and programs like septage planning system to regulate the water disposal along the river.

Also, the city government is planning to construct a condominium purportedly to house the illegal settlers living near the river banks.

The riverbank areas downstream are occupied by informal settlers.

He said the Department of Public Works and Highways is also working on building riprap wall on both sides of the river.

If the rehabilitation project will become successful, Cuñado said this will be replicated to other water bodies in the region.

The project will also be highlighted during the DENR-initiated biannual summit slated for December next year. The summit is expected to gather water experts from across the globe.  (FREEMAN)