The City Government of Malaybalay hosted the Memorandum of Agreement signing of the adopt-an-estero, also known as water body project of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on October 25, 2017 at the New City Hall.

Partner organizations, agencies and offices convened to forge partnership for this program which is the flagship of the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau.

The project aims to clean the esteros (waterways) nationwide of wastes, debris and silt starting 2010 until all have been cleaned up.

This endeavor continued to gain support among stakeholders and donors which the City Government plays a vital role since out of five adopted esteros in the province of Bukidnon, four are located in the City namely Sawaga river, Caul-Masikol Creek, Mamala Creek and Kalawaig Creek.

With this cause, it prevents further deterioration and pollution along the esteros of Malaybalay City which is tributary to the Pulangi River, a major part of the river system in Mindanao.

These adopted bodies of water were prioritized to implement the program for the clean-up, declogging of wastes and rehabilitation in partnership with the Provincial Government of Bukidnon, City Government of Malaybalay, Poblacion Barangays 1 to 11, Sumpong, San Jose, City Police and 403rd Infantry Brigade Philippine Army.

Partner donors also include from private firms, non-government organizations and other agencies such as Gaisano, MM Construction, Sawaga Movement, Bukidnon State University, Bukidnon National High School and San Isidro College.

With the commitment of the partners, DENR-EMB will monitor and assess these water channels to determine if the quality of the water will improve that is beneficial to the community depending on it and to the environment in general.

During the meeting, DENR awarded the City Government a plaque of appreciation being one of the major partners in the program.

By: Kris Guerrero Tabernero