FIVE barangays in Cebu City have heeded the call of Mayor Edgardo Labella to clean their waterways.
Tisa officials led by Barangay Captain Ringo Pacaña started clearing their drainage system. Their neighbors in Barangay Mambaling quickly followed suit.
Officials from Kasambagan led by their barangay captain, Association of Barangay Councils president Franklyn Ong; Banilad led by Barangay Captain Dennes Tabar; and Apas led by Barangay Captain Jingjing Cabigon also cleared waterways within their jurisdiction, particularly their portion of the Mahiga Creek.
Aside from removing waste from the creek, the three village officials also concreted portions of the Banilad-Talamban bridge to prevent it from being used by scavengers and rugby boys as a hiding place and a drug den.
Tabar said they conducted a similar operation in the Mahiga Creek with the help of members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command and a mall in the vicinity a few months ago.
The mayor welcomed their initiative, adding that it was high time to forgo political alliances to serve their constituents.
“This is a very welcome development that our barangay officials are heeding our clarion call for us to clear our waterways. This is a good start and we will work hard to sustain our efforts to make our rivers clean again,” Labella said.
He reiterated his call to the other barangays to participate in the massive clean-up they will conduct in the Guadalupe River on Aug. 17.
Labella said they chose the Guadalupe River because aside from being located near the center of the city, it is also considered the dirtiest among the city’s waterways.
Last month, members of the Market Operation Division; Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification and Enhancement; City Environment and Natural Resources Office; and the Department of Public Services also cleared waterways in the city. (from PAC of Superbalita Cebu/JKV)