SOON, the quality of water and development of Dagupan City’s rivers and tributaries will be directed by a new body other than the City Agriculturist Office.

City Mayor Belen Fernandez said she will issue an executive order shortly creating a commission that will oversee the rehabilitation and sustainability of all the rivers largely patterned after the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC).

Among its tasks will include clearing of esteros, relocation of informal settlers and development of easement areas along river banks where people can walk and enjoy the sights.

Fernandez said she invited PRRC led by Executive Director Ramil Tan last week to assess the condition of city rivers and to recommend ways for their rehabilitation and sustainability.

The proposed Dagupan City River Rehabilitation Commission (DCRRC) will be composed of department heads.

Like the PRRC, the proposed body will be mandated to seek domestic and foreign grants to support its activities that will help provide and improve fisher folk’s livelihood.

Fernandez expressed confidence that envisioned commission can duplicate the accomplishments of PRRC in Metro Manila, like the clearing of esteros and creeks that were formerly swarming with garbage, and the recovery of easement areas beside rivers from informal settlers.

She said the adoption of PRRC’s ‘power convergence’ system – working on many projects through a system where various agencies of the government and stakeholders freely help for a common objective – can work as well in the city.

Pasig River rehabilitation is an original idea of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Gina Lopez although the commission was created through an executive order issued by then President Joseph Estrada.

Fernandez said the city government has already been doing some of its activities and cited the preparation of a resettlement site where some 400 families living in danger zones like bank of rivers and seashore will be moved soon.

The area which is now being backfilled is owned by the city, the Department of Social Welfare and Development screens the beneficiaries while the National Housing Authority builds the low-cost housing project for the beneficiaries.

The mayor added, the Island Tours uses three customized flat boats donated by different private companies; the ongoing drilling of the city rivers is being done with by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

She said her government had removed 690 illegal fish pens.

Fernandez believes the rehabilitation of the city’s rivers can be completed in five years with all stakeholders lending their hand to this project. (Leonardo Micua)

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