PANDAN, Antique – The local government and the community must work hand in hand to keep the recreational waters in this town clean and sustainable, according to the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region 6.
EMB regional director Sophie Manuel stressed that multi-sectoral groups and local officials have a significant role in taking care of bodies of water.
Among the recreational waters in Pandan are the Bugang-Malumpati River and the Duyong-Tingib Beach, according to the EMB.
The Bugang Malumpati River – known for its clear waters – has been attracting local and foreign tourists.
It is a national hall of famer for the Cleanest Inland Body of Water Award under the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s Clean and Green program and Gawad Kapaligaran Awards.
Sangguniang Bayan member Jude Sanches said the river being a tourist attraction created opportunities for locals to improve their standard of living.
But he added that proactive measures must be taken to ensure the conservation of the river.
The EMB has recently conducted an action planning workshop in Pandan participated by members of the local project site committee.
During the workshop, issues and possible solution were identified and discussed.
Since the signing of the Inter-Agency Memorandum of Agreement for Pandan Recreational Waters in December 2017, series of meetings were conducted tackling solid waste management and tourism programs for the bodies of water. (With PIA/PN)
