Keeping local waterways clean and healthy results in safer communities. In most cases, rivers, creeks, and other bodies of water have already been integrated into modern city development plans that address pollution, improve water quality, and preserve ecological biodiversity. 

In the Philippines, however, some rivers and creeks are being treated like sewage. More often than not, domestic and even industrial waste are indiscriminately thrown into these bodies of water. Solid waste collects and leads to blockage, and then eventually increases the risk of urban flooding. And when the rainy season begins, these rivers and creeks, when left unchecked, pose threats to nearby communities as stagnant water may rapidly spread water-borne diseases and infections. 

In 2021, a study showed that at least 1,000 rivers are responsible for 80% of plastic waste leakage in our ocean. The study reported that 19 Philippine rivers are included in the top 50 plastic waste carriers such as the Cagayan de Oro River and the Pasig River, which was identified as the most polluting river in the world.

With this, the Cagayan de Oro City (CdeO) Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (CLENRO) is taking action to protect its waterways and address its growing threats within its communities. 

Characterized by a narrow lowland coastal plain, Cagayan de Oro City in Northern Mindanao is traversed by 7 rivers and 6 creeks, including the Bitan-ag Creek. Winding through the heart of the city, at least 10 communities are located along the Bitan-ag Creek. 

During Tropical Storm Sendong in December 2011, more than 1 million people were affected and 1,250 persons were lost in Northern Mindanao. CdeO was one of the seriously damaged cities wherein more than 600,000 people suffered the wrath of the storm. Due to the tremendous damage brought about by Sendong, the rehabilitation of the city’s major waterways, including Bitan-ag Creek, was felt to be urgently necessary. 

With this, the CdeO CLENRO launched Hapsay Sapa, its initiative to conserve waterways starting with the Bitan-ag Creek through sustained community involvement in proper solid waste disposal and management. Since its inception, Hapsay Sapa has implemented various activities anchored in proper solid waste management and aimed at empowering communities such as IEC campaigns and clean-up activities. In 2017, the initiative finished its linear park project as part of rehabilitating the creek.

With the impactful initiatives of the Hapsay Sapa program led by Council Chairperson Patrick Gabutina, it won the 2018 Asian Townscape Award which is designed to recognize city projects and initiatives that serve as models in landscape construction. 

The Hapsay Sapa Council, composed of 15 barangays, local government units, Department of Environment and Natural Resources-EMB, with support from various local academic institutions and private organizations like UN Habitat, looks forward to expanding the implementation of its activities in all of CdeO’s rivers and creeks to address the city’s problem in flooding and plastic pollution. 

With its growing economy and more foot traffic coming in and out of the city, the CdeO CLENRO also launched its campaign on proper solid waste management through the full implementation of the City Ordinance No. 13378-2018 or the “Integrated Ecological Solid Waste Management Ordinance of Cagayan de Oro City.”

“Full implementation means that the ban now includes [all] transparent plastic wrappers from fast food outlets, pharmacies, food kiosks, ‘sari-sari’ stores, and ambulant vendors,”  says CLENRO Chief Engr. Armen Cuenca. 

The city ordinance also provides regulation for the use of transparent on-roll bags and will only be allowed for use on raw meat, poultry, fresh seafood products, fruits, and vegetables.

According to Engr. Cuenca, the regulation of single-use plastics (SUPs) has noticeably resulted in better drainage in creeks, canals, and other waterways that are greatly affected by the increasing urbanization of the city. 

WWF-Philippines sees the importance of working in Bitan-ag Creek to reduce the volume of plastic waste leakage in the Port of Cagayan de Oro. In achieving this objective, the role of the LGU is important to reduce plastic waste accumulation in the creek brought about by improper waste management.