DENR-7 to revive prominent rivers

CEBU, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Central Visayas has stepped up its efforts to revive the prominent rivers in the region.

DENR-7 recently forged agreements with at least 94 government offices and private firms for the rehabilitation and sustainable management of 10 identified and prioritized rivers in the region.

Most of the private entities that entered into a memorandum of agreement with the DENR-7 are based along the river channels.

In a press statement, Gilbert Gonzales, DENR-7 Regional Executive Director, said the signing of the agreements was a significant part of the agency’s program dubbed as “Rivers for Life.”

The program seeks concerted actions and aims to encourage partner stakeholders, including the private sector and the academe, to extend support in cleaning up the rivers and waterways.

“We recognize the support that we are now getting from our partners, especially the support coming from the local government units and private establishments, for their commitment to help us address the huge volume of silt, wastes and other debris that have affected our river systems in the region,” said Gonzales.

Under the agreement, the parties are tasked to undertake expanded environmental improvement as well as conduct information and education campaigns.

They are also asked to organize community mobilization activities, trainings for concerned stakeholders and conduct regular cleanup activities. During the recent DENR-initiated activity, at least 242 partner organizations or 8,164 volunteers participated in the second round of simultaneous river cleanup conducted last March 22 (Friday).

More than 1,400 sacks or 23,057 kilograms of trash were gathered from the different rivers in the region such as Bulacao River, Luyang River and Butuanon River in Cebu Province; Manaba River, Abatan River and Inabanga River in Bohol; Banica River, Sicopong River and Panam-angan River in Negros Oriental and Señora River in Siquijor Province.

DENR-7 represented by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer for Argao Aniceto Aquino partnered with the Cebu City Government for the launching of the Bulacao River Park Development in Barangay Inayawan.

The development would include installing eco-bricks for pathways and planting of ornamental plants along the riverbank.

On the other hand, the Mandaue City government with the DENR-Environmental Management Bureau 7 initiated another river cleanup along Butuanon channel and a tree planting activity as part of the river restoration project.

“With the strong support of our partners and the communities ensuring that these rivers are properly rehabilitated and would remain clean, we can pass on to the next generation, a much healthier and safer water resources,” said Gonzales. — FPL (FREEMAN)