RIVER CLEAN-UP. Governor Daniel R. Fernando (second from right) oversees the river system clean-up project in Malolos City, Bulacan on Tuesday (August 20, 2019). The move aims to address the perennial flooding in Bulacan, and also in support of the Manila Bay rehabilitation program. (Photo by Manny Balbin)
CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan — A river system clean-up project was launched here Tuesday as part of the continuing effort to address the perennial flooding in the province.
Local officials, led by Governor Daniel R. Fernando and Malolos City Mayor Gilbert Gatchalian, joined the activity, which is also in support of the Manila Bay rehabilitation program.
For the initial phase of the project, the Provincial Engineer’s Office started the dredging of the 4.6-kilometer Apulid Creek, which is among the creeks that directly flows to Sto. Niño River, one of the major river systems in the province that is connected to Manila Bay.
“Layunin nating ihanda ang ating mga ilog sa mga pagbabago sa ating kalikasan lalo na sa panahon ng kalamidad. Kailangan nating siguraduhin na ang tubig na bumabagsak sa ating mga ilog at sapa ay makadadaloy ng mabilis papunta sa ating Manila Bay upang hindi ito magdulot ng pagbaha (Our objective is to ready our rivers with the changes of the environment, especially in times of calamities. There is a need to ensure that the waters that go down to the rivers and creeks will flow faster to Manila Bay to prevent flooding), “ Fernando said.
He said the fight to protect the environment does not stop in dredging alone but entails self-discipline with regard to proper waste management.
“Kahit paulit-ulit man nating palalimin ang ating mga ilog at sapa, kung hindi naman matitigil ang walang disiplinang pagtatapon ng basura sa mga ito, hindi pa rin matutugunan ang problema sa baha (Even we repeatedly dredge our rivers and creeks and there is no stopping with the indiscriminate dumping of wastes to these bodies of water, we cannot solve the flooding),” the governor added.
Meanwhile, Gatchalian underscored the value of unity for the general welfare of the public.
“One essential ingredient in spreading the general welfare is unity. Although we are divided politically as political subdivision but we are not to exist separately from each one. Iisa naman ang hangarin ng lahat ng nagtangkang ibigay ang kanilang sarili sa paglilingkod, ‘yun ay ang makita ang mas magandang bansa at mas magandang kalagayan ng ating mga mamamayan (There is one goal among those who attempted to give themselves for public service and this is to see that the country is beautiful and the citizens are in good condition),” Gatchalian said.
Paquito T. Moreno Jr., Regional Executive Director-DENR Region 3 (Central Luzon), said this project manifests the value of shared responsibility, making what was once an impossible mission now possible and achievable.
“I can surmise that it has been a mission possible. I am certain that we are taking a big leap in our battle to protect and rehabilitate our environment through this project. This shall attest to the endless possibilities we can achieve together,” Moreno said. (PNA)
