CITY OF MALOLOS- Bulacan Governor Daniel R. Fernando and City of Malolos Mayor Gilbert Gatchalian spearheaded the Bulacan River System-Clean Up Project at Apulid Creek in Brgy. Longos here in support to the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program ensuring the creeks and rivers can hold up flood water.
For the initial phase of the project, the Provincial Engineer’s Office started the dredging of the 4.6 km Apulid Creek, which is among the creeks that directly flows to Sto. Niño River, one of the major river systems in the province that is connected to Manila Bay.
“Layunin nating ihanda ang ating mga ilog sa mga pagbabago sa ating kalikasan lalo na sa panahon ng kalamidad. Kailangan nating siguraduhin na ang tubig na bumabagsak sa ating mga ilog at sapa ay makadadaloy ng mabilis papunta sa ating Manila Bay upang hindi ito magdulot ng pagbaha dahil batid natin ang perwisyong dulot nito, peligro sa buhay at sagabal sa patuloy na pag-unlad dahil ang mga nagnenegosyo, umiiwas sa mga bayan na binabaha,” Fernando said.
He also said that the fight to protect the environment does not stop in dredging alone but it entails self-discipline with regard to proper waste management.
“Kahit paulit-ulit man nating palalimin ang ating mga ilog at sapa, kung hindi naman matitigil ang walang disiplinang pagtatapon ng basura sa mga ito, hindi pa rin matutugunan ang problema sa baha,” the governor added.
Moreover, Gatchalian emphasized the value of unity for the general welfare of the public.
“One essential ingredient sa pagpapakalat ng general welfare ay ‘yung pagkakaisa. Although we are divided politically as political subdivision but we are not to exist separately from each one. Iisa naman ang hangarin ng lahat ng nagtangkang ibigay ang kanilang sarili sa paglilingkod, ‘yun ay ang makita ang mas magandang bansa at mas magandang kalagayan ng ating mga mamamayan,” Gatchalian said.
Engr. Paquito T. Moreno, Jr., Regional Executive Director-DENR Region III, said that this project manifests the value of shared responsibility, that what was once an impossible mission has now become possible and achievable.
“I can surmise that it has been a mission possible. I am certain that we are taking a big leap in our battle to protect and rehabilitate our environment through this project. This shall attest the endless possibilities we can achieve together,” Moreno said.