‘Sagip Batis’ highlights Earth Day celebration

The cleanup of Quezon City’s creeks and other waterways, initiated by Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr., is among the highlights of today’s Earth Day celebration, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said yesterday.

In an advisory, the DENR Special Concerns Office said Quezon City’s Sagip Batis and a symposium on water safety will be among the major activities lined up for today.

Other activities include a fluvial parade in Pasig, tree planting activities in Malabon, ecological solid management seminars and shoreline cleanup activities by various local government units in Metro Manila.

The Quezon City government has mobilized 1,000 barangay volunteer workers in clearing the city’s rivers and esteros in preparation for the onset of the rainy season.

Belmonte initiated the drive to prevent unnecessary loss of lives and properties brought about by flashfloods during heavy downpours, especially in the city’s low lying areas.

The mayor said the two-month operation will be conducted in the city’s 41 rivers, creeks and waterways, stretching 118 kilometers and criss-crossing 103 of the 142 barangays in the Quezon City.

The theme for this year’s Earth Day celebration is "Water for Life."– Perseus Echeminada