Garbage from other areas of Metro Cebu end up in Hilutungan

CEBU, Philippines – Garbage that come from neighboring cities and municipalities in Metro Cebu, which is carried by waves, ends at the coral reefs at the Hilutungan Channel, according to scuba divers and volunteers who joined a coastal cleanup last Saturday.

Hilutungan Channel is home to the only urban reef in the country and probably in the whole world.

The recently concluded International Coastal Clean-Up Day last September 25, raised a lot of questions regarding garbage washed up on the Hilutungan Channel from neighboring areas in Metro Cebu.

Andy Berame, co-organizer of the International Coastal Clean-Up Day and representative of the CFARMC, said refuse and other materials dumped in esteros, rivers, coastal areas, and other tributaries in Metro Cebu are carried by the water current and end in the Hilutungan Channel.

Berame reiterated the urgency for concerned government agencies and LGU's to address the problem since the channel is also the residence of the city's resorts and hotels.

These hotels and resorts cater to international tourists which are the primary economic driver not only for the city of Lapu-Lapu but also to its neighbors in the metro.

Lapu-Lapu City Councilor Harry Don Radaza said the protection of the Hilutungan Channel is not only the sole obligation of the City of Lapu-Lapu but of the entire Metro Cebu.

Councilor Radaza said the Lapu-Lapu City council is already looking into passing an ordinance which will prevent further damage to the coastal environment caused by this problem.

Also during the Coastal Clean Up Day, Berame, Councilor Radaza and their fellow Scubasureros saw an alarming number of bottles found underwater and already causing damage to the ecosystem underneath. "Mas daghan pa sa plastic," Berame said.

He also said beach goers should be aware that by dumping glass bottles into the sea would damage the environment. (FREEMAN)