DIRTY CREEK
Nearby barangays pledge for cleaner Dungon Creek

By Erly C. Garcia

Concerned individuals sign the covenant for a cleaner Dungon Creek.

Barangays located along Dungon Creek have pledged to undertake a sustainable clean up program to ensure a cleaner Dungon Creek in the coming days.

The symbolic signing of commitment was held last Saturday at the Jaro Public Market in Brgy. Desamparados, Jaro, Iloilo City.

Aside from barangay officials, various government and private agencies also signed the commitment for a cleaner Dungon Creek.

This include the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, Iloilo River Development Council, Task Force Clean and Green, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Canadian Urban Institute, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, Green Forum, the academe, and business establishments.

Dungon Creek is one of the major tributaries of the Iloilo River.

Surrounded by residences, Dungon Creek is now in a deplorable state as it is being used as dumping ground of garbage and other toxic wastes.

Siltation has also developed along the creek which causes immediate flooding with just a slight rainfall.

After the signing the participants composed of government employees, NGO representatives, students and residents of barangays along the creek conducted a cleanup operation which is deemed as a start of a sustainable step at taking care of the Dungon Creek.

The cleanup activity aims among others to educate, encourage, empower and inspire actions for an active participation among barangay residents in partnership with concerned stakeholders.

This will also provide an opportunity for people to act together to achieve extraordinary things by broadening the base of support for environmental programs and projects and rekindling public commitment.
 
Environmental Management Bureau Regional Director Bienvinido Lipayon said that one’s commitment to the conservation and protection of the environment, one of which is the Dungon Creek, is vital for sustainable development.

To note, the event is in line with celebration of the National Cleanup Month in the country slated every September through Proclamation No. 244.