LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Sept. 2 — At least 60 percent of the rivers in Binmaley, Lingayen and Bugallon towns had been restored to their original state under the massive river clean up spearheaded by the provincial government.
This was reported by the Task Force Kalikasan, created by Governor Amado Espino Jr., to lead in the massive clean up by dismantling bamboo poles that were used either for fish pen purposes, as attachment for fish traps and props for oysters and mussels.
Retired Col. Tommy Cabigas, assistant Task Force Kalikasan Commander, however, noted few people whom he called former "sacred cows" who were trying to put back their illegal structures which had been dismantled a few weeks ago.
Saying the task force will not let these few groups to prevail over the interest of the government to have a beautiful environment, Cabigas said several task groups had been alerted to stop the putting back of illegal structures in the water.
City Information Officer Orpheus Velasco said the task force was under instruction from Governor Espino to file cases in court against those reconstructing their dismantled structures for their wanton violation of the law on water ways.
Cabigas, who led media men to a cruise along the newly cleaned rivers, said many people have finally realized the effect of the river clean up and are now showing their appreciation for the improved eco-systems of some rivers in Binmaley, Lingayen and Bugallon.
Already cleaned up by Task Force Kalikasan are the rivers in Poblacion, Naguilayan, Manat, Caloocan Dupo and Salapingao, Binmaley; and the rivers in San Jose, Poblacion, Balococ, Banaga area between Lingayen and Bugallon.
Retired Colonel Paterno Orduna, head of Task Force Kalikasan, said: “In the near future, when we have completed our mission, we hope to regain the lost pristine beauty of our rivers which have been ravaged by the vultures of nature.” (PNA)
LAP/Lvm/lvmicua/315/rma