Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco has thanked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and San Miguel Corp. for the start of a sustainable dredging program on a river that goes through the city.
“We need to have a sustainable dredging program to ensure that the success we will achieve through this will last for a long time and benefit future generations,” Tiangco said in his speech during the official launch of the dredging of the Tullahan-Tinajeros river system.
The mayor noted that silt, sediments, and garbage, continue to accumulate at the bottom of rivers and other bodies of water but are not removed regularly.
“Previously, budgetary constraints hamper dredging efforts. This is why the partnership between DENR and San Miguel Corp, which has pledged P1 billion for this project, is a welcome development,” he added.
Tiangco also ordered all barangay executives to strictly implement the city’s anti-littering ordinance.
“Dredging efforts are futile if we allow residents to continue practicing improper waste disposal. Discipline and strict implementation are also key to achieving success in our campaign to clean up our water bodies,” he stressed.
The dredging of the 36.4-kilometer Tullahan-Tinajeros river system is part of the ongoing campaign to clean up and restore the marine ecosystem of Manila Bay. The river system extends from La Mesa Dam in Quezon City to the Centennial Park in Navotas.
SMC will undertake the project in partnership with the DENR. Both SMC President and Chief Operating Officer, Ramon S. Ang, and Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu led the launching.
Aside from Tiangco, other officials who attended the ceremony were Vice Mayor Clint Geronimo, city councilors and department heads, and barangay chairpersons.
Also present were Malabon City Mayor, Antolin A. Oreta III; Bulacan Governor, Daniel R. Fernando; 2nd and 3rd District of Bulacan Representatives, Gavini C. Pancho and Lorna C. Silverio; and Meycauyan and Obando Mayors Linabelle Ruth R. Villarica and Edwin C. Santos.
Other key personalities were Metro Manila Development Authority Chair Danilo D. Lim; Department of the Interior and Local Government Undersecretary for Operations, Epimaco V. Densing III; Department of Public Works and Highways Assistant Secretary, Antonio V. Molano Jr.; and DENR Undersecretaries Rodolfo C. Garcia, Atty. Jonas R. Leones, Analiza Rebuelta-Teh, Juan Miguel T. Cuna, and Benny D. Antiporda.
