MikeLigalig.com

Davao Oriental Rep. Nelson Dayanghirang has filed a bill to address the deteriorating situation of the 421 rivers and 384 river systems in the country.

Dayanghirang introduced House Bill 6500 mandating cities and municipalities to create a River Development Authority (RDA) to preserve, protect and develop all rivers, river systems and natural waterways within their respective jurisdiction.

"The damage wrought on a river and its consequent death is not only a threat to public health, it is a vivid and compelling symbol of crumbling social order, a symptom of a society under severe environmental and ecological stress," Dayanghirang said.

He said a great number of the country's rivers is gradually vanishing and dying, while others are suffering from physical, biological or chemical damage.

"All these can be attributed to pollution, indifference and apathy to the environment, ignorance or simply human greed," he added.

Dayanghirang noted that "despite a number of laws enacted for the preservation and development of rivers, effective enforcement by local government units is weak due to the absence of a local agency with which coordination can be made."

He said the urgent need to establish RDA, which would save the rivers, river systems and natural waterways from extinction and degradation.

"There is a need for efficient institutional machinery in each local government unit not only to implement laws but also to promote the development of rivers, river systems and natural waterways," Dayanghirang said.

In the Davao Region, among the rivers that are already affected by pollution and siltation is the Davao River in Davao City, Hijo River in Davao del Norte and the Agusan River in Compostela Valley. (PNA) LAP/Ferdinand O. Zuasola/lvp

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