DAVAO CITY – An environmental group here called for the regulation of increased recreational activities near the Panigan-Tamugan watershed after a recent cleanup drive yielded several wastes, including discarded face masks and face shields.
"The majority of masks are made of long-lasting plastic materials that, if discarded, will survive for decades to hundreds of years in the environment. As a result, they can have a variety of adverse effects on the environment and people," the Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS) said in a statement Wednesday.
The Panigan-Tamugan watershed will soon be the source of water under the Davao City Bulk Water Supply Project. The project is a partnership between the Davao City Water District (DCWD) and Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc. (Apo Agua).
According to IDIS, volunteers of the cleanup drive attributed the increase in the improperly disposed of wastes to "the presence of various recreational activities within the Panigan-Tamugan."
"Currently, several people are doing their laundry and swimming in the river. These activities are unregulated and unmonitored," it added.
The group also noted structures and cottages in the area "which (encourage) the influx of people in the river as it is used for recreational activities along the riverbanks."
"We, at IDIS, hope that this will be addressed immediately and regulation will be imposed on various recreational activities and to continue the protection of Panigan-Tamugan watershed," it said.