Massive clean-up drive along Bued River set on February 8

February 5, 2019 Community Billboard

BAGUIO CITY – Following the massive clean-up drive in Manila Bay, the same will be conducted also along Bued River on February 8 to be participated by different stakeholders including government agencies, local government units and private institutions spearheaded by the Community and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices (ENRO) of Baguio City and Benguet respectively.
PENR Officer Carlos Arida of Benguet said the clean-up drive aimed to involve the different stakeholders in protecting and preserving the river within parts of Baguio City and Tuba, Benguet against any environmental degradation.
Today, Bued River is being described by local officials and residents to have experiencing environmental degradation due to many threats including the presence of household, mining and animal wastes coming from different sectors that is why there is a need to have a massive clean-up drive involving stakeholders in rehabilitating said river to bring back its old image. The activity is also in celebration of the World Wetlands Day.
Partner agencies and offices that are expected to participate in the activity are DENR-CAR Regional Office, Environmental Management Bureau Cordillera, Mines and Geosciences Bureau Cordillera, Watershed and Water Resources, Research Development and Extension Center, Municipality of Tuba, City Government of Baguio, Province of Benguet, Department of Education, Department of Public Works and Highways, Baguio Water District, Office of Civil Defense, schools and barangays along Bued River and other private institutions. Interested institutions may also participate during the said activity.
Arida also reminded the residents, owners of business establishments and visitors not to discharge any kind of waste contributing to the degradation of the river which is in violation of the Solid Waste Management Act and other environmental laws. He added that through the participation and self-discipline of everyone will make the river more vibrant which will result to have more river species living.
They are also reminded to recycle, reuse or reduce their waste if necessary. Through their creative minds, they can make money out their waste in many forms.
Series of information education and communication drives to residents and local officials and simultaneous clean up drive were conducted last year along Bued River covering Camp 1, 3, 4 and Twin Peaks Barangays where at least 50 sacks of different wastes were collected.
IAN JEFREY ADDATU