Establishments warned against throwing waste in Iloilo River
Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog has admonished establishments throwing toxic wastes in the Iloilo River as it causes harm to both public health and environment.
The mayor said he continues to receive reports on wastes coming from businesses adjacent to the river.
“We will file the necessary charges (if) they don’t heed our warning,” Mabilog said.
The city government will order the closure of the establishment that will continue such violation, he said.
Mabilog said he will meet with the city sanitary inspectors next week to come up with a program or mechanism that will plug all holes, drainage or leaks leading to the river.
Saving the dying Iloilo River, known as the “arm of the sea,” is one of the primary concerns of the city government.
Efforts to clear the river of pollutants, silt and other obstructions to water flow are currently underway in consonance with a masterplan developed by the Iloilo River Development Council.
The IRDC is tasked to monitor and enforce laws relevant to the preservation of Iloilo River including mangrove protection, anti-illegal encroachment, anti-illegal fishing, and proper solid waste and wastewater management.
Last month, Mabilog said he plans to ask the Sangguniang Panlungsod to create a regulation ordinance for the preservation of the Iloilo River as he ordered the removal of the remaining illegal fish pens and other structures from the waterway.
He had directed the City Agriculturist Office to immediately remove the illegal structures, but a “win-win solution” between the affected fishpen owners and the city government is being drawn up so that those affected will not lose their source of livelihood.
Part of Iloilo River Development Master Plan is the relocation of squatters living along the river while private structures such as houses, restaurants, hospitals, shopping malls and others must conform with the policy of keeping the river clean and safe.
Last January this year, the Operation Bantay Suba was launched by the city government to encourage Ilonggos to be more concerned and participative about the plight of the Iloilo River.*NLG
