DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental (PIA) -- The Dumaguete City government has taken steps to address the environmental problems in the city caused by calamities and climate change. 

During a multisectoral environmental forum held recently here, Dumaguete City Mayor Felipe Antonio Remollo reported the ongoing and completed projects undertaken by the city government and the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The infrastructure projects aim to keep residents safe from disasters.

The city government also signed an agreement to rehabilitate Banica River, one of the major sources of domestic water in the capital city of Dumaguete, from public water supply and recreational activities to fisheries and agriculture.

Typhoons Sendong and Auring

In 2011, Typhoon Sendong (international name: Washi) heavily damaged Banica River and swept away the homes of those who were living along the banks of the river. 

Meanwhile, in 2013, the strong waves and winds caused by tropical storm Auring (international name: Dujuan) caused M/V Zamboanga Ferry to run aground around 50 meters from the Rizal Boulevard. 

The impact of the two disasters prompted the city government to undertake infrastructure projects to address the damage caused by the calamities. 

“While all of these were controlled by natural forces like typhoons and floods, the LGU should take the lead in environmental protection,” the mayor said.

Bridges, flood control dike system

Two concrete bridges have been built at the back of Foundation University in Colon Street and the Bureau of Internal Revenue area in Barangay Batinguel, while two additional bridges linking Candau-ay-Balugo (a closed dumpsite) and Batinguel-Junob are being constructed to replace the old spillways. 

This will allow flood waters to flow unimpeded to the open sea to prevent them from inundating the homes along the Banica riverbanks.

The construction of a flood control dike system in Banica River is ongoing. Once completed, this will protect all the communities along the path of the river from Poblacion 1 (Tinago) to Barangay Balugo from flash floods.

The shoreline protection spanning 17,715 sq m at the south end of Rizal Boulevard has been developed to prevent flooding and storm surges at the coastal barangays of Tinago and Poblacion 4.

Banica River rehabilitation

During the environmental forum, the city government signed a multi-sectoral partnership memorandum of understanding with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Foundation University (FU), and barangays Bagacay and Taclobo to rehabilitate Banica River. 

“This collaboration is welcomed with DENR, Foundation University, and barangays Bagacay and Taclobo. It’s beyond river clean-up, and climate change mitigation is part of the city’s thrust,” said Remollo. 

Provincial Environment and Resources Officer Viernov Grefalde said the partnership is a test of participation to restore the environmental quality of Banica River and manage solid waste in the communities along the river.

“We have observed that those barangays along the river are the major source of garbage or solid waste that is being thrown to the river that flows to the mouth of the river and sea, so this needs cooperation,” said Grefalde.

FU representative Ruselle Jamili said cleaning up the river is a multi-stakeholders’ responsibility.

“We will provide trainings and information drives on solid waste management, water quality, and river care and rehab to the communities,” said Jamili. 

The multisectoral environmental forum gathered water stakeholders from various sectors with the aim of revitalizing Banica River under the R.I.V.E.Rs (Recognizing Individuals/Institutions Towards Vibrant and Enhanced Rivers) for Life Program in Dumaguete City. (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental)