Activities set to restore Balili River

ENVIRONMENT TRENDS

Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY – Clean-ups, education, information campaigns, local legislative action, and researches are slated this year to keep Balili River cleaner than ever.

This was discussed during the Balili river technical working group of the Water Quality Management meeting last week.

A research proposal on phytoremediation, was also presented and critiqued before implementation. Patterned after observed capacity of plants with aesthetic value yet indigenous grasses and reed plants to absorb and maintain soil and water cleanliness, the experiment headed by the Watershed and Water Resource Research Center lasts for six months in identified places in Baguio and Balili, La Trinidad, Benguet. The research is part of a program for the Cordillera, Pangasinan, Isabela, and Zambales.    

According to Environmental Management Board, Department of Environment and Natural Resources officer Wilhelmina Lagunilla, similar feasible researches are needed, and would be funded accordingly.

A visit to a technological processing plant in Zambales is also planned, for program duplication. Water sampling goes on, to ascertain levels of pollution in Balili River tributaries.

A river patrol training shall also be launched later this month, with members from Sablan, Baguio and La Trinidad.

The proposed sewage treatment plant (STP) for the Baguio City market and slaughter house areas are expected for implementation, Lagunilla in behalf of DENR OIC regional director Reynaldo Digamo, said.

Inventory of encroached buildings along the riversides with the Department of Public Works and Highways were also requested.

Flora and fauna within the river, with goals for conservation and propagation will be undertaken, the group agreed.

According to engineer Moises Lozano of the Water, Wastewater Ambience Management Division of the City Environment and Parks Management Office indiscriminate dumping and discharge of solids, liquid and hazardous wastes are monitored, with warning to perpetrators. CEPMO head Cordella Lacsamana, likewise urged the Local Government Units of Sablan and La Trinidad to strictly implement local legislative measures in their areas.

The level of awareness through information and education campaign is also encouraged, through the academe or barangay assemblies.

Penalties and reward schemes for violators and responsible citizens, respectively, are effective, it was discussed.

The WQMA TWG meets regularly for proper implementation of the clean Balili programs. -