Make cleanupa ‘way of life’

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has expressed hope that the clean-up activity will become a “way of life” for participants, and not only for a day.

"Reminding all of you, make it a way of life," said Rama before the start of the first city-wide cleanup drive yesterday.

"Cleanliness is next to godliness," he added.

The mayor said he does not want the culture of "Ningas Cogon," that is, when someone starts something with interest and enthusiasm, but only for a while.

Most of the projects the mayor initiated have lasted up to present, he said, that he also wants the cleanup drive to be sustained.

For the cleanup, he wants it sustained at the household level.

"And it should start at home. Like Singapore-like Cebu City should start at home," added Rama.

Cleaning up one's surroundings and the entire city is part of the city government's efforts of saving the environment.

Clean up activities like this is also part of the measures taken to solve flooding in the city as garbage clogs up canals and the drainage system.

On a broader scale, the city government also aims to recover the three-meter easement of rivers via Gubat sa Baha.

Those who will be affected in the clearing will be relocated.

"Never give up, continue, never surrender. This is not about winning. This is not about losing, this is about doing what is right for Mother Earth," Rama stressed.

This he said while hoping to inspire others to leave a legacy for the future generation.

"Do not be unfair to your children. Leave them a legacy that they will cherish. They will treasure that once upon a time Mother Earth was restored, was loved, and provided hope," Rama said while saying the "Mother Earth is the only earth we have in our life".

Along with the cleanup drive, the city government also installed biofences in different barangays along the Butuanon River.

Prior to the installation, the CCENRO river troopers conducted site assessment, site preparation, and coordination with the respective barangays.

CCENRO is hopeful that with biofences installed in key strategic areas of each barangays, "the problem on solid waste would somehow be manageable, promoting ownership and accountability with the respective leaders of the community."  - JMD (FREEMAN)