Olongapo, SBMA join forces for river clean-up project

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the city government of Olongapo have joined forces to clean the river that runs through the city and empties into Subic Bay.

The river clean-up project, the sixth in a series of joint clean-up activities, was attended by employees of various companies in the freeport, along with students from local schools, residents, and employees from both the SBMA and the city government.

Participants in the activity focused on riverside areas like Kalaklan, Banicain and the areas near bridges at Olongapo’s 14th St. and Subic’s main gate.

"The clean-up activities are part of the ongoing effort to help preserve the waters of Subic and Olongapo for the next generation," SBMA administrator and chief executive officer Armand C. Arreza told The STAR.

"This project has started some two years ago and since then we have had very positive responses from the local community. A lot of community groups are joining in the effort to help keep our rivers clean and well-maintained," he said.

Arreza said the activity not only helps preserve the rivers but also strengthens the ties between the people of the Subic Freeport and Olongapo City.

"We are proud to say that each time we do this, we strengthen our ties with the people of Olongapo City. It’s a good sign that says all is well between the SBMA and the city," he added.

Newly appointed Councilor JC Delos Reyes, who attended in behalf of Mayor James Gordon Jr., said the river clean-up "manifests our concern for the environment and the future generations."

"All of us are here because we want to save the rivers and because we want these rivers to still be around when our children grow up. This is a truly commendable effort,"de los Reyes told The STAR. – Bebot Sison