CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- Governor Lilia Pineda over the weekend appealed to residents living near major rivers in Pampanga province to refrain from dumping domestic garbage into the rivers and making waterways dumpsites.
Pineda asked concerned residents and other waste generators to spare rivers, major water channels, and canals from garbage as this poses serious health and environmental risks, as well as flooding.
Pineda made the call after she and Regional police chief Allan Purisima, chair of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC), made an ocular inspection on the present condition of the Arnedo Dike and the Pampanga River.
During the inspection, it was observed that there is a basis on the claim of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office led by Art Punsalan that Pampanga River is indeed the existing biggest dump site in the province.
Several portions of the said river in the towns of Arayat, Candaba, San Luis, San Simon and Apalit serve as dump sites for residents living along riverbanks.
"Kailangan magtulong tulong tayo sa pagpapanatili ng kalinisan at pagpoprotekta sa ating mga ilog. Turuan natin ang ating mga kababayan na huwag nang magtapon ng basura sa ilog para ating mga anak," Pineda said.
Pineda likewise urged Kapampangans to help their communities resolve the garbage problem by implementing waste segregation starting from their own households.
"Kailangan po na matuto tayo na pagbukud-bukurin ang mga nabubulok sa hindi nabubulok na basura. Ang basura kasi ay maaaring i-reuse, i-recycle, i-reduce at gawing pataba kaysa naman sa itapon na lang basta sa ilog or kahit saan," Pineda said.
The Provincial Government has identified the major water channels, creeks and rivers in the province that serve as illegal dump sites for domestic garbage.
Aside from the Pampanga River, water channels such as Abacan River from Angeles City to Mexico, San Fernando River, Guagua River, Porac Gumain River, Gugu River, Mancatian River and other small rivers located near residential areas are included in the list. (Herbert P. Mapiles)