Rotary International takes on river project

CEBU, Philippines — A river project will soon be set up in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City with the Rotary International to take lead.

Winnie Cheng of the Rotary International (Inter Country Committee) Executive Council East and SouthEast Asia Expansion went to Brgy. Mabolo last week to check on the condition of the river in the area. With her were Rotary Club Cebu-Fuente president Jose Marie Ponce and former president Jesselito Baring.

Baring, through the city’s News and Information team, said that the project is part of the Movement for Livable Cebu along with the Rotary Club Cebu-Fuente.

A study will be conducted after to determine what appropriate project will be done for the revitalization of the river.

Basic projects could involve water clean-up days, community awareness campaigns, removing invasive species and planting native plants, while intermediate projects include clean-up activities, helping develop project plans and connecting with partners, as well as measuring water quality.

Advanced actions could include continuous monitoring of the waterways’ health, organizing activities to address root causes of pollution, and participating in regional and international advocacies.

After the visit to Brgy. Mabolo, the Rotarians paid a courtesy visit to Mayor Mike Rama, who is a Rotarian himself and has been a member of the Rotary Club of Cebu-Guadalupe for 29 years now.

During the meeting, Rotary International’s Cheng expressed elation after learning that Rama is a Rotarian himself.

Together with Rama during the Rotary International’s courtesy visit were City Planning Officer Architect Yumi Espina, City Administrator Collin Rosell, and the mayor Chief of Staff Glicerio Germud.

Mayor Rama was eager for the Rotary’s plan as he has been pushing for the recovery and revitalization of Cebu City’s dead rivers to help address the city’s flooding problem.

Earlier, the Rotary and the UN Environment Programme had also announced its partnership to protect local ecosystems.

“Through this initiative, Rotary and Rotaract members work with their local communities and partners to protect, restore, and sustain freshwater ecosystems in alignment with the environment area of focus,” said a part of a statement of the Rotary International. — (FREEMAN)