MARINE EXPERTS’ EVALUATION

THE team from the University of the Philippines’ Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI) gave the thumbs-up to the Dagupan City government for its strategy to keep its rivers and tributaries clean.

This was the initial evaluation of Dr. Caroline Jaraula, UP-MSI professor, accompanied by two researchers who were visibly impressed after they completed their ‘Reconnaissance Survey of the River System’ for two days, investigating the city’s river tributaries “the live artery of the city.

The team said the city government is on the right track in keeping its rivers clear of illegal structures and river debris under the program ‘Sa Ilog Ko, May Pagbabago.’

Jaraula arrived in Dagupan last December 7 and 8 upon the invitation of Mayor Belen T. Fernandez to evaluate the state of the city’s rivers and tributaries.

“You have a healthy river which is healthy for the economy, healthy for livelihood and healthy for the whole system. Dagupan revolves around these rivers. They are beautiful. They have a lot of mangroves with a lot of promising results and activities,” said Jaraula.

The city has seven tributaries, the Mangueragday River, Tanap River, Dawel River, Calmay River, Pantal River, Patogcawen River and Bayaoas River.

Jaraula also commended the city for dredging the river and recommend that the dredging should start at the mouth of the Calmay River in Pugaro due to the high concentration of silt from upstream found in the area.

“Maganda yong political will sa Dagupan na linisin ang ilog lalo na sa mga structures na nakahambalang sa mga ilog,” said Jaraula referring to the city’s aggressive campaign against illegal fish pens and in taking efforts to retrieve submerged fishnets and bamboo stumps in the bottom of the river.

The team has recommended the development of river systems according to their potentials in tourism, fishing, waterways, navigation, bird watching, among others.

On the operation of fish pens, Jaraula said, it is the call of the city whether it will allow its operation provided that a place should be identified as a suitable area for this type of structure with maximum size and number in order to maintain the river’s sustainability.

The city has an ordinance banning the operation of fish pens in the city’s rivers.

It’s overwhelming to note the healthy conditions of the rivers “kasi maraming puedeng ma-develop at pag-aralan. We just need to enhance these,” said Jaraula.

The team will make a further study on the data gathered and will submit its results to the city as soon as this is ready.

Mayor Fernandez and Dr. Jaraula met during the 3rd International River Summit in Cagayan De Oro.

“This is the challenge for us Dagupeños to step forward, to level up and continue with our advocacy to rehabilitate our river system and support the livelihood of our fisherfolks. And we will not stop until we have achieved our goal,” said Mayor Fernandez. (CIO/JCB)

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