Going to the grassroots: The Multi-sectoral Group conducts an IEC campaign and river cleanup
The Multi-sectoral Group (MSG) of the Tumaga River Water Quality Management Area (WQMA) Governing Board in coordination with the Environmental Management Bureau Region IX's Adopt-an-Estero / River Program conducted cleanup at the Barangay Tugbungan section of the Tumaga River and IEC campaign at the Barangay Hall.
In his welcome message, the Head of the MSG and Barangay Chair of Tugbungan Hon. Agustin E. Graciano, Jr. encouraged the barangay officials present to be active partners of the WQMA program. He also said that the activity is a good opportunity to inform the media what the Governing Board is undertaking to protect the Tumaga River.
Residents of the barangay were present during the activity as they were the focused of the IEC campaign of the MSG. The residents were informed of the important provisions of RA 9003 otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 particularly on the mandates of the law at the barangay level and proper solid waste management at the household level. The residents were also informed on how they can practice the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) of solid waste management.
Hon. Graciano informed the participants that the PhP10 million dredging project of the City Government of Zamboanga at the downstream section of the Tumaga River is already on its second phase of implementation.
From the Barangay Hall, the participants proceeded to the section of the Tumaga River near the Tugbungan Bridge where the clearing project of the Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR) was being conducted. Thereafter, the participants proceeded to a small wharf to take a boat tour farther downstream of the River where dredging is being conducted by the LGU. The tour along the River was facilitated by the Barangay Officials of Tugbungan, members of the Tugbungan Fishpond Operators, and PO3 Alvin B. Isnani of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The dredging project is part of the city’s implementation of City Ordinance No. 426, series of 2014, or an Ordinance Declaring all Illegal Structures within Boalan and Tumaga River as Public Nuisance.
Following the tour, the participants conducted a clean-up at the riverbank along the downstream section of the River where most of the fishponds are located. The total wastes collected were around 50 kg consisting mostly of leaves and other yard wastes, paper, plastic, and styropor.
