EMB-8 has 18 new partners in restoring creeks, rivers

TACLOBAN CITY - The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB-8) hits its target of 18 new private partners for 2012 for its “Adopt-an Estero Program,” a multisectoral partnership that aims to restore creeks and rivers in the country.

The newest set of partners signed their respective memoranda of agreement (MOAs) for the rehabilitation of creeks and rivers in Tacloban City, Maasin City, Baybay City, Hindang, Hilongos and Julita towns in Leyte province.

The Mangonbangon River, one of the longest rivers in Tacloban, gained eight new partners through the Volunteer for the Visayas, Mother of Mercy Hospital, Divine Word Hospital, McCarol Ventures, Rotary Club of Kandaya, Leyte Normal University, Couples for Christ and Petron Corporation- Tacloban Depot.

Other new partners who also signed the respective MOAs were Asi sa Kalamboan and KSJ for the Tuburan River in Maasin City; Baybay City Autotek Services for the Pagbanganan River in Baybay City; Concrete Solutions Inc. for the Panipian River in Hindang, Leyte; HAGIT and Villaquer Tours for theCangmasin River in Hilongos, Leyte and Jun Paltad Sand and Gravel for the Balugo River in Julita, Leyte.

Wriggs Food Corporation and MAC Builders are also set to sign MOA with the DENR-EMB-8 to adopt the Balugo River in Julita.

As agreed by the private partners, the waterways identified will serve as pilot areas for introducing engineering interventions along with immediate surface cleanup solutions to help improve the condition of each creek. Under the MOA, part of their responsibility is to prepare a comprehensive Clean-Up plan and provide the resources in accomplishing this plan.

The new partners will also be involved in the information and education campaign, community mobilization, and training of community leaders on solid waste management.  They will also have to undertake expanded environmental improvement, including the dredging of some portions of their respective adopted esteros.

The DENR through the EMB regional offices will intensify monitoring of industrial and commercial establishments and undertake, among others, regular water quality monitoring and provide the necessary technical assistance to concerned leaders and stakeholder groups in the area.

EMB will also provide the necessary technical assistance to stakeholders as well as facilitate actions against violators as provided for in Republic Acts 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act) and 9275 (Clean Water Act).

Launched in 2010, the Adopt-an-Estero/Water Body Program has already drawn together 29 partners from the private sector in Eastern Visayas. (AHLETTE C. REYES)

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Posted by lsde on Oct 25 2012. Filed under Second Story. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.