700 participate in First Balili River Advocacy Run

By Carlito C. Dar

Tuesday 18th of December 2012

BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 18 (PIA) - - Around 700 people participated in the first advocacy fun run for the Balili River held Saturday from the Teacher’s Camp here to the Benguet State University in La Trinidad, Benguet.

The event, "Run for Balili River" was headed by the Balili River System Revitalization Coalition (BRSRC), a consortium of public and private agencies, organizations and institutions to raise awareness and enlist commitment to the ongoing campaign to save and rehabilitate the Balili River whose headwaters comes from the Sagudin River in Baguio then flows to La Trinidad.

In an interview, University of the Philippines (UP-Baguio) Chancellor Raymundo Rovillos who was one the event convenors expressed his gratitude for the good turnout and the overwhelming participation of various sectors in the activity.

He said the coalition is batting for the institutionalization of the advocacy fun run as a yearly event.

For the continuing advocacy to save and rehabilitate the Balili River System, Rovillos assured that the campaign will be continuing in which he also called for institutions and schools to become role models by developing their respective areas as green campuses as what they are doing in UP.

As for the households and the different barangays, Rovillos also enjoined them to continue with the proper segregation and disposal of wastes from their own home and local community.

Rovillos also called for continuous infrastructure support from the government especially in ensuring proper sewerage system for the households along the Balili River System.

In the coalition, Rovillos disclosed that they are working on five key areas which include consciousness raising, research, infrastructure development, vegetation - planting of bamboos and trees along the river system, and the Bantay-estero – regular monitor and conduct of clean-up drive.

La Trinidad Mayor Benjamin Abalos and other local officials as well as some city councilors of Baguio joined other coalition members in awarding the certificate of participation and medals for the winners in the 3K p and 7K run both for the male and female categories. (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)