As the International River Summit gears up for its conduct on November 22-24, the Butuanon River is already showing its excitement. Yes, the river is no longer just a large canal people pass by on their way to the northside of Cebu or Mactan. The sprucing up of the viewing deck is just among the first steps that Mandaue City is taking to show it means business when the city opted to participate in the International River Summit this year.
Even the scent is changing as slowly, a better breeze passes through the foliage in the cleared area where informal settlers used to bunk-up and stock their latrines. The participation of the dwellers is commendable. Well, perhaps because they either had no choice or they understood the essence of why the river has to come alive again. I would like to believe the latter.
The rains have provided the water that now flows better along the dredged river bed. It is nice to see the flow unobstructed by debris. From the viewing deck, I know there is still a lot to be done, and in my head the song by Chris Tomlin “God of this City” has never been more apt.
The topics in the International River Summit brings to fore a desperate call for awareness not just for the Butuanon, but for all the rivers in our planet. For despite the boundaries of nations, we truly have just one Earth.
A declaration that restoring the ailing rivers to the pink is embodied in the first plenary session of the River Summit. Mayor Oscar S. Moreno will share their experiences with Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio J. Ledesma on how they were able to create awareness and move the Cagayanon spirit to restore, protect the Cagayan de Oro River.
Also encouraging will be the talk to be given by Engr. Subijoya Dutta of the Rivers of the World Foundation based in the United States of America, where he will discuss approaches on how to protect and enrich the rivers and streams.
Other experiences on how to identify the road to pollution of rivers and streams, as well as their restoration will likewise be tackled by Dr. Kapileswar Mishira, consultant of the Water and Environment from India, and Ms. Sarah Hartman of the University of Delaware, USA. Many speakers from Malaysia, Australia, Taiwan and other countries will also take the stage as they share their passion on how rivers and streams can be won back to health and sustained as major economic roadways.
The second day of the conference will look into policies that will facilitate the implementation of best practices, as well as the creation of a sustainable river governance system and infrastructure development. The third day and final day will address the “how tos” in raising resources for the sustainable implementation of river management systems.
This very timely meeting of environment advocates addresses the need of our country whose archipelagic nature has many water bodies that need to be restored, protected and sustained as a recognized option to even saving the country from its problems on traffic, poverty, pollution and health.
The International River Summit will be held at Radisson Blu, in Cebu City. It is encouraged that advocates for clean waters and a sustainable environment attend, whether one is in government service, the academe or a member of the civil society.
For businesses who are seeking for a better purpose and expression of their corporate social responsibility, ideas on keeping the rivers in their neighborhoods in top shape, can be gleaned from this summit. For inquiries, interested parties may call the secretariat of the IRS through the office of the Vice Mayor of Mandaue City at 2304500 loc 1002 or Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry at 3433491 or 2368245.