At least 22 tons of garbage were collected during a cleanup drive in Bulacao River initiated by the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office last Saturday, an event that CENRO chief Nida Cabrera hailed as a huge success.
Aside from personnel from the Department of Public Services, about 1,500 volunteers, several establishments, government workers, and other stakeholders participated in the event, scouring the 11-kilometer river.
It’s really heartening to note that many have vigorously responded to the call for the drive to clean the city’s major rivers found in Barangays Bulacao, Guadalupe, and Lahug. These bodies of water have been classified by authorities as in a dying state.
However, it was clear that the event has been triggered by the national government’s cleanup of Manila Bay. We have to admit that these local rivers were for decades in need of a massive rehabilitation but, sadly, one had taken action.
Now it is the hope of all Cebuanos that since this campaign has started, it should also be replicated in other rivers and other bodies of water across Cebu Province that are slowly dying because of human intrusion and neglect.
Of course, the cleanup campaign should be maintained. Authorities should monitor these natural possessions and impose harsh penalties against those who violate environmental laws.
We do hope that the national government’s success in the Manila Bay cleanup will also push us to act swiftly in the effort to protect and maintain our bodies of water.