By: Ana-Liza S. Macatangay
NAGA CITY, Mar. 5 (PIA) --- The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) here bared the initiatives and program that the city government continues to undertake as it embarks on fulfilling its designation as the second Water Quality Management Area (WQMA) here in Bicol.
CENRO Oscar Orozco stated that prior to the city’s designation as WAQMA, there were already local ordinances, Executive Orders (EO) and resolutions to enforce the mandates of the Clean Air Act of 2004. These are all meant to implement interventions to address the stubborn issue on water pollution.
One of which is Ordinance No.93-013 authored by former Councilor James Jacob creating the Naga River Council and defining its powers and responsibilities. One of the reasons for its creation is for the council to “immediately conduct an environmental assessment and to initiate, develop and implement comprehensive program to save, protect and develop the Naga River as a tributary of the Bicol River.”
In 2010, City Mayor John G. Bongat issued Executive Order (EO) No. 2010-015, creating the Naga River Revitalization Project Team to jumpstart the action plans that the Sangguniang Panlunsod has collaboratively deliberated. In support of this, EO No. 2012-014 was drafted, creating the Naga City Natural Waterways Management Council tasked to take the lead in the formulation of a comprehensive water management program and its implementation.
These ordinances and EOs were also reinforced by another directive such as the issuance of Ordinance No. 2013-053 authored by City Councilor Mila SD. Raquid-Arroyo which seeks to establish the Naga River Rehabilitation and Development Fund. This was unanimously approved by the members of the Sangguniang Panlunsod.
Bongat, during the public consultation on the designation of WAQMAs held February 24 at the People’s Hall, spoke of the city’s aggressive effort to revitalize the river and bring its original vigor when it was still teeming with life and abundance.
“For a long time, Naga River suffered from heavy siltation, making the river bed dirty and polluted. We need to dredge the river to gather up bottom sediments and free the river bed from harmful pollutants. We are also ensuring strict compliance on waste water and working on the placement of septic facilities,” Bongat added.
Aside from these legal instructions, CENRO has organized, mobilized and collaborated with the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC), non-government organizations and other stakeholders for a regular river clean-up, implemented the Local Initiatives for Affordable Wastewater Treatment (LINAW) project focusing on the waste water, septic tank and sewerage system among others.
CENRO also spearheaded the relocation of settlers along the Naga River to minimize wastes being thrown at the river banks and provide decent dwellings to the said families. Through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), the city government also organized and mobilized the Defenders of Naga River, promoting the sense of volunteerism among the stakeholders.
These are just few of the efforts now being belligerently pushed by the city to ensure that the Naga River will soon gain its glorious state, as WAQMA designate of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and as worthy legacy for the coming generations. (LSMacatangay, PIAV/Camarines Sur)
- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/861425534723/cenro-bares-naga-city-s-ordinances-and-initiatives-for-naga-river#sthash.VwN5zVLD.dpuf
NAGA CITY, Mar. 5 (PIA) --- The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) here bared the initiatives and program that the city government continues to undertake as it embarks on fulfilling its designation as the second Water Quality Management Area (WQMA) here in Bicol.
CENRO Oscar Orozco stated that prior to the city’s designation as WAQMA, there were already local ordinances, Executive Orders (EO) and resolutions to enforce the mandates of the Clean Air Act of 2004. These are all meant to implement interventions to address the stubborn issue on water pollution.
One of which is Ordinance No.93-013 authored by former Councilor James Jacob creating the Naga River Council and defining its powers and responsibilities. One of the reasons for its creation is for the council to “immediately conduct an environmental assessment and to initiate, develop and implement comprehensive program to save, protect and develop the Naga River as a tributary of the Bicol River.”
In 2010, City Mayor John G. Bongat issued Executive Order (EO) No. 2010-015, creating the Naga River Revitalization Project Team to jumpstart the action plans that the Sangguniang Panlunsod has collaboratively deliberated. In support of this, EO No. 2012-014 was drafted, creating the Naga City Natural Waterways Management Council tasked to take the lead in the formulation of a comprehensive water management program and its implementation.
These ordinances and EOs were also reinforced by another directive such as the issuance of Ordinance No. 2013-053 authored by City Councilor Mila SD. Raquid-Arroyo which seeks to establish the Naga River Rehabilitation and Development Fund. This was unanimously approved by the members of the Sangguniang Panlunsod.
Bongat, during the public consultation on the designation of WAQMAs held February 24 at the People’s Hall, spoke of the city’s aggressive effort to revitalize the river and bring its original vigor when it was still teeming with life and abundance.
“For a long time, Naga River suffered from heavy siltation, making the river bed dirty and polluted. We need to dredge the river to gather up bottom sediments and free the river bed from harmful pollutants. We are also ensuring strict compliance on waste water and working on the placement of septic facilities,” Bongat added.
Aside from these legal instructions, CENRO has organized, mobilized and collaborated with the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC), non-government organizations and other stakeholders for a regular river clean-up, implemented the Local Initiatives for Affordable Wastewater Treatment (LINAW) project focusing on the waste water, septic tank and sewerage system among others.
CENRO also spearheaded the relocation of settlers along the Naga River to minimize wastes being thrown at the river banks and provide decent dwellings to the said families. Through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), the city government also organized and mobilized the Defenders of Naga River, promoting the sense of volunteerism among the stakeholders.
These are just few of the efforts now being belligerently pushed by the city to ensure that the Naga River will soon gain its glorious state, as WAQMA designate of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and as worthy legacy for the coming generations. (LSMacatangay, PIAV/Camarines Sur)
- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/861425534723/cenro-bares-naga-city-s-ordinances-and-initiatives-for-naga-river#sthash.VwN5zVLD.dpuf
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