Subic, Olongapo residents clean up rivers

By Malou Dungog, Central Luzon Bureau

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT: Officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and Olongapo City recently led some 1,000 participants in the second cleanup aimed at saving the dying rivers that run between the two areas.
Mayor James Gordon Jr. of Olongapo City commended the efforts of those who came out and participated in the event.
“This is a journey that has already begun with small steps made by people who came out today. Your efforts in helping revive the rivers of Olongapo and Subic are truly commendable,” he stated.
Gordon recalled how pristine and clean the rivers were years ago and it would be advantageous to both areas to have these rivers like they were back then.
“There are only two points that our visitors look at when they come to Subic and Olongapo when they come to visit here. First is the peace and order. Second is clean and green atmosphere. Our ongoing efforts to keep our areas well maintained and peaceful are what stand out,” Gordon added.
Retired brigadier general Percival M. Subala, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) deputy administrator for port operations, stressed that this campaign aims not only at reviving the polluted rivers but also at bringing out the good citizen that we are.
“This is an enormous task but it is worth the while of all the people who have come out to help here as these benefits not only our generation but for future generations to come,” he said.
Subala further noted that because of the good response they got from the first river cleanup held in November, they saw it fit to hold another one and help speed up the saving of the rivers here.
Severo Pastor Jr., SBMA Labor Department head, noted that the rivers have long been considered markers that point out the boundaries of the two areas but with the ongoing effort have now shown how united people in the community are in saving the rivers.

Mayor Gordon leads the 2nd regular river clean-up drive, with him are SBMA officials, barangay residents, girl scouts and boy scouts (biggest delegation)

Joining the officials for the cleanup drive were Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of Olongapo and students from different schools here and Olongapo.
The project is also being supported by investors in the free port along with civic organizations and nongovernment organizations.