Cleanup of QC waterways set

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has partnered with Rotary International District (RID) 3780 to clean up waterways in Quezon City as part of the Manila Bay rehabilitation.

RID 3780, which is composed of 104 Rotary clubs in the city, signed a memorandum of agreement with the DENR for the cleanup of 118 kilometers of waterways within four Quezon City watersheds.

This will cover 14,700 hectares around Barangay Culiat, the vicinities of Pasong Tamo creek and Tullahan-Tinajeros River, and other areas connected with those waterways and is under the DENR’s Adopt-an-estero program.

“We recognize the role of the private and community sectors. Without their assistance, we would not be able to achieve a cleaner and safer metropolitan environment,” Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu said.

The DENR will provide RID 3780 with technical assistance in reducing pollution in areas covered by the agreement, including strict implementation of the solid waste management law, water quality monitoring, coordination with the local government and assistance in conducting environmental education activities.

RID 3780 will make sure that each Rotary Club will have a private sector partner-stakeholder that will assist in the implementation of the program through the use of their corporate social responsibility funds.

Established in 2010, the Adopt-an-estero program is a response to the continuing mandamus by the Supreme Court for agencies led by the DENR to clean up Manila Bay, particularly through the esteros and waterways that flow directly to the historic bay.