Sawaga Cleanup Day

Malaybalay City -September 18 is International Cleanup Day and 141 volunteers from different non-government organizations launched a cleanup drive in a part of the Sawaga River.

       City Councilor Atty. Mya Analene Rosos-Tenorio who sponsored the said project said, it is the second year of the Sawaga cleanup and hopefully it will become a yearly event.

       “Last year, we were able to tap only one organization and this year, I was inspired to see several organizations who shared the same advocacy. Our next step is to ensure that our efforts will be sustained”, Atty. Rosos-Tenorio said.

       The volunteer effort was cooperated by members of the Philippine Life Saving Society (PLS), Kababayan Riders Association for a New Cultural Harmony and Order (KARANCHO), Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity/Sorority (SAE), KABALIKAT, Malaybalay Rugged Adventure Great Outdoor Advocates Incorporated (MARAGOAI), PANAHIK, ECO VENTURE, Bukidnon State University College of Arts and Sciences Basketball Varsity, Clearfill Water Station, Bukidnon Mountaineers’ Organization (BUMOC), Malaybalay Runners, the Malaybalay Emergency Rescue Unit (MERU), Bureau of Fire Protection, and the CSWD.

       The Cleanup Drive started with a motorcade within the City, and a short orientation program followed at the Barangay 4 covered court.  The A total of two (2) tons of household trash and garbage have been cleaned up from the Sawaga River and its nearby area in Barangay 4. The event ended with a boodle fight, which was also joined by CSWD Officer Ms. Virginia I. Flores.

       “We are pleased that this activity, participated by different groups, is becoming the city’s largest volunteer effort for river health. And as requested by the heads of the participating organizations, we will soon conduct a dialogue for a more intensive solution to this challenge,” Atty. Rosos-Tenorio added.

       It was learned that the cleanup project of Councilor Rosos-Tenorio at the Sawaga River is a prelude to a more vigorous campaign to bring together more community groups, schools, NGO’s, businesses and individuals to improve water quality of Sawaga River. Other environment programs that includes cleaning up other creeks and waterways and other public areas.

       It may be recalled that Rosos-Tenorio also spearheaded a treeplanting activity at Brgy. Can-ayan in June 2011. At least 150 officers and members of the Malaybalay City Federation of Local Councils of Women, Inc. (MCFLCW) planted an open land with 600 high quality propagated stocks from superior trees.

       The city councilor stressed that the people of Malaybalay have increased environmental awareness, enthusiasm and hard work, and that they have shown true care about the environment by doing something practical about it.  She thanked everyone who shared the same passion of caring for the environment.