Hundreds of Ilonggos rolled up their sleeves and joined hands to revive one of Iloilo’s historic waterways in a massive clean-up drive at the Batiano River this Saturday morning.
The event, part of the RMN and iFM Iloilo River Festival celebrating the 73rd anniversary of RMN Network, brought together volunteers from different agencies, private sector, civic groups, and the local community. The biggest delegation came from the Girl Scouts – Iloilo Chapter with over 500 volunteers.
Spearheading the effort were Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., Vice Governor Lee Ann Debuque, Oton Mayor Sofronio Fusin Jr., Vice Mayor Niel Olivares, and RMN Iloilo officials.
Mayor Fusin reminded the public of Batiano River’s role in the town’s growth, describing it as both a symbol of past prosperity and future potential.
“Ining Batiano River nangin simbolo sang progreso sang komersyo kag negosyo sang una kag sang paalabuton. I hope this celebration will help us strive for excellence not just for our Batiano River but for the welfare of the community. Batiano River, aton tipigan kag handurawon,” said Fusin.
Meanwhile, Governor Defensor emphasized the river’s beauty and its importance to the province’s development.
“Ginahimo naton ini kay ang aton Batiano River isa sa mga pinakamatahum nga lugar sa probinsya kag sa ciudad sang Iloilo. Kinahanglan naton nga iplastar sang mayo para sa kauswagan sang Oton, sang probinsya, kag sang ciudad sang Iloilo,” said Defensor.
For RMN Iloilo, the initiative is more than a one-day activity.
Station manager Ronel Sorbito said the “Balik Batiano River Fest” has grown bigger this year, thanks to stronger partnerships with government and community stakeholders.
Novie Guazo, RMN Program Director, rallied the crowd to sustain their commitment.
“Together, let us make a pledge to protect our environment, preserve our natural heritage, and ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for the generations to come. Let us join hands and create a ripple effect that will resonate far beyond our riverbanks,” said Guazo.
The clean-up drive is not only about restoring the Batiano River but also about raising awareness on the urgent need to protect Iloilo’s waterways as lifelines of commerce, culture, and community.
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