Coastal Cleanup Widened

Coastal Cleanup Widened
Manila Bulletin - Visayas Newsbits
September 18, 2010
 
COASTAL CLEANUP WIDENED
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu – Following the success of its first coastal cleanup drive, the Cebu’s Islands Group has widened its campaign by inviting more volunteers to join the activity, particularly as it jives in conjunction with the International Coastal Cleanup celebration.  Chai Apale, Islands Groups Executive Officer for Corporate Social Projects said that the two day cleanup drive, done underwater and along the shores of this city’s barangay Mactan last September 17 and 18 is their way of promoting environment protection. Dubbed “Zero Waste in Seas: An Underwater Cleanup Project” saw some 50 volunteer divers netting 25 kilos of waste underwater. Such waste consisted mostly of non-biodegradable materials like plastic bottles, wrappers, and bags, among others. Also, to widen the campaign, the Islands Group has partnered with other environment-conscious organizations like Ocean Care Advocates Inc., Bigfoot Studios Inc., Cebu Yacht Club, Worldwide Dive and Sail, Feel Deep, Ipanema, Envirosax, Ocean Potion, Grendha, Rider and the Philippine Business for Social Progress. (Phoebe Jen Indino)


MEASURES TO AVOID DEFECTS IN NEW ROADS DETAILED
ILOILO CITY (PNA) – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) here has detailed measures preventing defects in newly completed road concreting projects even if construction of the latter were effected through correct construction methods and the use of quality materials. DPWH Regional Director Rolando Asis said that based on study and investigations, deficiencies are caused by the absence of pavement design analysis; lack of soil investigation prior to design and plan preparation; uncontrolled passing of overloaded trucks and non-inclusion of subsidiary works such as slope protection work and drainage facilities. To address the problem, Asis ordered all district engineers to see to it that detailed engineering and soil investigation are conducted regardless if the road project is already existing or still ongoing construction.


BRIDGE COLLAPSE CLAIMS LIVES
LAUA-AN, Antique – Two elementary school pupils died of drowning while three others were reported missing when a hanging bridge collapsed in Laua-an town in Antique, police reported last week. The two fatalities were identified as Juvy Espino, an 11-year old Grade IV student and Nellybeth Aretano, 14 years old and reportedly a Grade VI student. Both were Barangay Santiago Elementary School students. Meanwhile, local police and rescue teams conducted search and rescue missions for three other students missing identified as Risa Aretano, 13; Keith Manuel, 11; and, Margie Demetrio, 10. Authorities say the three “are still missing as of this report and search-and-rescue operations are still going on.”  The victims were reportedly on their way home from school when the hanging bridge they were crossing collapsed due to strong water current of the river flow which was spawned by heavy rains. “The incident caused the bridge to collapse which sent five children falling to the river and were carried away downstream,” the report read. The bridge, the report stated, was made of bamboo with steel bar support. Police said the land portion where the steel bars were resting caved in as a result of sudden strong river current and rising waters. (Aaron Recuenco)