Labella eyes talks with Gullas on cleanup

CEBU, Philippines — After the “productive” collaboration with the neighboring city last Saturday, Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella said he will discuss with Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony Gullas, Jr. the massive cleanup drive along Bulacao River that would take place before the month ends.

Labella said initial schedule for the cleanup along the Bulacao River, which divides the cities of Cebu and Talisay, would be on September 28.

“It’s really healthy to have local government units to work together. No man is an island. We have to collaborate and coordinate. Bulacao has plenty of rubbish. There are also informal settlers. We have the same problem,” he told reporters.

Last Saturday, Labella and Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes led the cleanup drive along Mahiga Creek or Subangdaku River.

Labella said the authorities collected at least 70 tons of garbage both from the cities of Cebu and Mandaue.

“We’ve seen very shocking situation there especially near Innodata, the garbage had hardened already. Good that we were able to clean the mess there,” he said, adding that the city government was able to use the amphibian excavator in the cleanup of the river.

The mayor envisioned to bring back life of the rivers and waterways of the city.

“After three to four hours of the cleanup, I was going around…when I went farther to Mahiga creek near Banilad area, I saw already fishes swimming in the waters. I want to bring back life to our rivers. That would serve as an inspiration that after all, we can still bring back life to our rivers after we can clean them. I was so happy,” he said.

For it to be sustainable, Labella directed the officials of Barangay Mabolo to monitor and ensure that litters will not go to the river again.

He said the barangay officials should take the cudgel to continue with the cleaning to prevent the litter to return there.

The mayor also instructed Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office Head Atty. John Jigo Dacua to list all the names of the houses encroaching on the riverbank and those that do not have comfort rooms.

Dacua, in a separate interview, said at least 17 members of the CENRO’s education, information, and rehabilitation team to check and monitor the Mahiga River and the Guadalupe River.

The team will conduct profiling and at the same time issue notice of violation against the people that do not have comfort rooms. (FREEMAN)