Around 1,000 vigilant Ilonggos expressed their intention to become "Bantay Suba" volunteers who will be deputized to guard round-the-clock on several shifts the riverbank from littering and vandalism.
The "Operation Bantay Suba" which is being spearheaded by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) in close partnership with the Youth Eco Defenders was launched here recently.
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas, who is also the chair of the Iloilo River Development Council (IRDC), said that the "Bantay Suba" was launched to “encourage Ilonggos to be more concerned and participative about the plight of the Iloilo River.â€
The volunteers coming from academe, youth, business sector, civic groups, non-government organizations, environment advocates, and religious sector took their oath simultaneous with the River Walk that was held recently.
Also joining the list of volunteers are members of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary and Philippine Naval Auxiliary Reserve and non-government organizations such as the Bantay Bayan.
The Bantay Suba volunteers will assist the IRDC in the monitoring and implementation of laws relevant to the preservation of Iloilo River including mangrove protection, anti-illegal encroachment, anti-illegal fishing, and proper solid waste and wastewater management.
The initiative is anchored on the Iloilo River Development Master Plan (IRDMP) which envisions at reviving and preserving the Iloilo River. (PNA)
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Topic: Iloilo River Stewards (Read 1360 times)