The Save Calbayog Rivers Foundation

DILG-Calbayog in coordination with the City of Calbayog has put into action The Save Calbayog Rivers Foundation (SCRF). Its initial activity, the Save Calbayog River Technical Planning Workshop and Organization Meeting was held at the DepEd Conference Hall on May 9, 2009.

The activity was designed to encourage participants to provide support in saving the Calbayog River. It was aimed at making the participants realize the importance of Calbayog River in the lives of Calbayognons; re-establish the value of cooperation among the different sectors of society in cleaning the Calbayog River; clean, save and protect the Calbayog River; and organize the Foundation for a Clean Calbayog River.

The Technical Planning Workshop had the following activities

• Video Showing of “Salug”.
• The Mission to Clean the Calbayog River: A Call for Calbayognons.
• “Calbayog Ko Salug Ko”: The Values Calbayognons Must Have to Save the Environment.
• Action Plan Presentation and Critiquing.
• Organization of the Foundation for a Clean Calbayog River.
• Signing of Action Plan and Commitment of Support.

A good number of participants and guests coming from government, non-government organizations, people’s organizations and the private sector participated in the conference.

To ensure the sustainability of the program, the DILG Program Officer/District Officer shall monitor the projects and activities implemented by barangays in line with the provision of support to save the Calbayog River. A regular report shall be required from the barangays.

Though a government-initiated one, the Foundation is schemed as a private, non-profit organization that will serve as a full-time advocate and guardian of the Calbayog River and its tributaries.

SCRF is now on its way to resuscitating the dying Calbayog River by cleaning and protecting it, and by educating the foundation’s membership and the public on river matters and other related issues and concerns.

SCRF is a membership-based organization that would rely on the support of the government, NGOs, POs, civic and religious groups, businesses and concerned citizens that recognize the value and importance of the Calbayog Rivers.

Members of the event organizing committee were Councillor Susano Salurio (SP Chair on Environmental Protection), DILG Calbayog City Director Valente Bajet, Engr. Reynaldo Gonzaga (CSWMO) and Dr. Sylvia De Guzman (CHO).

Councilor Sonny Salurio

Fr. Dondon Paulino

DILG-City Director Valente Bajet

Dir. Bajet affixing his signature on the SCRF Pledge of Support and Commitment

DYOG's Eleen Lim signing on the pledge of support and commitment.