Saving the Streams in Quezon City

As a result of indiscriminate dumping of solid and liquid waste by residents living along the riverways and creeks as well as the illegal dumping of effluents and other wastes from factories and other industrial establishments, clogged waterways and repeated urban flooding, for many decades, has been a perennial problem to the Quezon City Government. Thus, in April 2003, Oplan: Sagip Batis sa QC (SB sa QC) was coined as an innovative project aimed at cleaning and clearing all waterways surrounding the City. Spearheaded by the City Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department (EPWMD), this project enjoined the active participation and support, not only of the different Departments of the City Government, but more so, the many residents along the 41 riverways and creeks traversing 101 barangays. It was deemed necessary for the City Government to mobilize these communities from project conception to its implementation as they are considered vital players in the success of the project. Using a consensus-based approach where all stakeholders have a role to play, the old tradition of "bayanihan"2 was employed as communities and barangays were encouraged to volunteer. Almost 1000 Sagip Batis Volunteers (SB Volunteer) signed up to participate. The City believes that environmental management should facilitate community participation because ultimately, it is their lives who will be affected if the environment around them is not sustainably utilized and managed. As mentioned in the UNEP paper entitled, “Environmental Management and Community Participation: Enhancing Local Programmes,” a strong commitment from the local government to be inclusive or show leadership will necessitate the involvement of the community. A prudent local government will involve the community in order to ensure broad commitment, instill responsibility, authority and accountability from all residents of the City.