Mangrove planting to save twin rivers

In yet another attempt to stop two rivers from flowing freely into the center of Lucena City, more than 15,000 mangrove propagules were planted along the banks of the heavily polluted water bodies recently.

Mayor Roderick Alcala says the massive planting is part of the Lucena Twin Rivers Development Program (LTRDP), which aims to convert the Iyam and Dumacaa rivers into another tourist attraction, and would be followed by cleanup and dredging activities in the shallow areas.

“Once the rehabilitation and beautification of the rivers are completed, we plan to put up a floating restaurant,” he says, adding that investors have already showed interest in bankrolling the project.

Lucena’s city proper is wedged between the Dumacaa on the east and the Iyam on the west. The major waterways meet on the southern portion of the capital and flow to Tayabas Bay.

Alcala disclosed plans to put up ecoparks and other projects along the riverbanks to provide livelihood opportunities to riverside residents. “I envision local fishers aboard their boats selling their fresh catch to tourists,” he said.

Funding

The city government has initially allotted P1 million for the river program.

According to Arween Flores, LTRDP head, more than 15,000 mangrove propagules were simultaneously planted by thousands of students, policemen, soldiers, members of civic and nongovernment organizations, local government officials and employees.

The planting activities were conducted in Ibabang Iyam and Cotta along the Iyam, Mayao Crossing and Mayao Castillo along the Dumacaa, and in Dalahican, Barra and Ransohan fronting the Tayabas Bay.

Alcala led local employees in planting one section of Iyam’s riverbank. “The mangroves will be regularly inspected to ensure its growth,” he says. “Riverbank residents will also take care of the plants.”

Flooding often occurs when accumulated rainwater atop Mt. Banahaw converges with the surge of seawater from Tayabas Bay brought by rising tide.

Studies conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the University of the Philippines’ National Institute of Geological Sciences revealed that low-

lying areas of Lucena were in constant danger from inundation unless the two rivers were unclogged of garbage and natural debris from Banahaw.

In the 1960s, fishers, swimmers and picnickers used to frequent the two rivers. After several decades, however, abuse and neglect of the environment have turned the rivers into city waste dumps.

Attempts to rehabilitate the rivers had failed, compounded by the indifference of residents.

After the massive mangrove planting, Tessie Villapando, president of the neighborhood association along the bank, has vowed to protect the propagules.

“The plants will not only beautify the river but will also protect us from floods in case of heavy rains,” she says.