MORE than 250 provincial government employees yesterday planted 1,700 tree seedlings of guyabano and mahogany in a one-hectare area along the Sapangdaku River in Toledo City .
Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III led the annual activity in keeping with a provincial ordinace that declares Sept. 9 as Provincial Tree Planting Day.
Another 700 seedlings were provided by the Carmen Copper Corporation, said Chad Estella, head of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO).
The trees that will grow can deter soil erosion at the riverbank and prevent floodwaters from coursing through the five barangays of Magdugo, Cambang-ug, Ilihan, Sangi and Canlumampao, said Estella.
“The river is really damaged that even the water has already found its way to houses nearby. Hopefully, the trees will help stop the erosion of soil,” he told Cebu Daily News.
The Sapangdaku River, also known by its old name as the Hinulawan River (hinaguang bulawan) widened due to unregulated sand and gravel extraction by quarrying operators.
Residents of nearby barangay Cambang-ug were alarmed over the constant excavation of the river bed, saying it would lead to flooding and landslides during the rainy season.
It also poses a risk to residents crossing the river in going to the poblacion.
Quarry operations were suspended five years ago, but the ban was lifted on the condition that operators would adhere to the specified area of their permits.
A re-channeling project at the river to clear it of loose earth and debris was carried out during the administration of former governor Gwendolyn Garcia.
During yesterday’s activity, Davide and Estella chanced upon some workers who were digging for sand and gravel from the riverbed.
Estella said the governor talked to the workers and warned them to stop the extraction
“We warned them to stop extracting in the area. Instead, I’ll have them referred to legitimate quarry operators who are covered by permits. I’ve organized them already so as soon as possible, they will be referred,” h e added. Correspondent Peter L. Romanillos