Acid test for Mayor Benjamin Lim

THE stage is set for the long-overdue restoration of Dagupan City’s rivers.

Last week, a covenant was signed by those involved in the city’s aquaculture sector, promising not just to help the local government in reviving the city’s dying river system but also play their part in the development of a more sustainable industry. Some bargaining was put forward by owners of illegal fish pens, asking Mayor Benjamin Lim to allow them to operate until the end of the year. But kudos to the mayor, he stood firm saying no further delay could be afforded.

Beginning this week, these illegal structures will be dismantled and a one-year moratorium will be put in place on the issuance of licenses for fish pen operations. This is intended, Lim has been stressing, to give the city’s abused waters much-needed breathing space and a chance to become healthy again.

In a city made famous by its bangus and having a well-established fish-production industry, it requires a commendable amount of political will to carry out such an action that will mean a slowdown in income generation. The mayor deserves commendation for deciding to steer the city towards this difficult but correct direction.

At the same time, this serves as an acid test for Mr. Lim. The outcome of this river clean-up program can very well spell the difference for the city’s future. To dispel compromises, city hall should publish the list of owners of both the demolished structures and their locations, as well as the list of retained fish pens that are licensed to continue operating. Some photo-ops for the media would not be enough to show proof that the city government is indeed carrying out its mission. A system of continuous monitoring should also be put in place and the public regularly given updates to ensure that this program to save the rivers is for the long-haul and will not fall into the ningas-cogon trap.

The Sangguninang Panlungsod, for its part, has its work cut out to review existing laws, then make revisions or perhaps draft a new one if need be. As they do so, they must not forget to bring in the expertise and the voice of everyone who has knowledge and a stake in the rivers – and that would be everyone in the city.

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