‘Lockdown’ lessens pollution in Cebu City

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City is expected to keep not only the flattening of the curve of Covid-19, but as well as to sustain its efforts of saving the environment.

Vice Mayor Michael Rama in yesterday’s International Coastal Clean-Up activity at Il Curso made special mention to Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy Cimatu for bringing Cebu City to what it is now in terms of the containment of Covid-19.

“This celebration would not be possible if not for the arrival of the overseer DENR Roy Cimatu, a big hand to the DENR secretary,” said Rama.

Rama was with Mayor Edgardo Labella, city councilors, representatives of DENR, barangay captains and other groups.

Aside from matters on Covid-19 though, Rama also brought out the matter with Cimatu to solve issues with regards to the environment.

“No Covid-19 can stop the people of Cebu City in cleaning up. Just don’t forget the protocols of Wuhan: Wash your hands, Use your face mask, Have your temperature checked, Avoid crowded places, and Never touch mouth, eye nose,” added Rama.

On the other hand, committee on environment chairman, Councilor Joel Garganera, who is also the Emergency Operations Center deputy chief implementer, said the past six months has given a breather to the environment due to lockdown because of Covid-19.

“Six months ago, everything was put to hold, there were no transportation, movement were restricted, mall, stores were closed, in other words we gave a much deserving break (to the environment),” said Garganera.

About 83 percent of pollution in Cebu City is brought by transportation, said Garganera.

Skies were clear, the beaches in pristine condition, the river and even the pier area had no foul odor and that is because there were no smoke belching and garbage had been well-kept, Garganera noted.

“The rivers, coastals and streams are a true reflection of our City, if we cannot clean our river, if we cannot clean our shore, then we cannot clean our city,” said Garganera.

As such, it is everyone’s duty to help keep the environment clean and safe.

Councilor Nestor Archival, co-chairman of the committee, has echoed Garganera’s call to a clean environment and reminded everyone that stream and rivers are the biggest reservoir of water for drinking, and the coastal and the ocean as the biggest reservoir of food from God.

“In returning home, continue to clean the rivers and coastline. Even by doing little things like taking care of the garbage. If we don’t take care of our garbage, it goes basically to our rivers and to the streams,” reminded Archival.

DENR’s Armand Maliksi also added that all participants of the clean-up drive yesterday are expected to trickle down their learnings to the rest of the family members, neighbors and their respective community to be able to sustain their efforts in keeping the environment healthy. — GMR (FREEMAN)