TABUK CITY, Kalinga – The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) is expected to pass a resolution calling for the introduction of a more permanent regulation on recreational activities in the city’s rivers and other bodies of water.
Members of the Council addressed plans for the summer vacation at the 2nd Quarter CDRMMC meeting on April 6, when throngs of locals and even visitors are expected to flock to the city and its various tourist spots, as well as the river banks.
To safeguard the safety of all throughout the Holy Week and the entire summer vacation, plans include river watch, road watch, and resort monitoring in collaboration with other line agencies such as the Philippine National Police, Department of Education, media, and the Provincial DRRMO, among others.
Following deliberations, members of the Council moved for possible regulations to be enacted through the passage of an ordinance or the issuance of an Executive Order, specifically in the Chico River banks. According to some members, quarrying and other businesses along the Chico River have made swimming and other recreational activities more dangerous.
The prohibition of picnickers bringing intoxicating beverages and the prohibition of minors swimming in the river, irrigation canals, and even resorts without adult supervision are among the regulations being considered.
Meanwhile, CDRRM Officer Christian Luyaben said that they are ready to provide emergency and medical assistance during the influx of tourists and locals during the summer vacation and holy week. He said they will establish a monitoring post in San Francisco in Dagupan West and conduct river watch activities along the Chico River down to Barangay Cabaruan to inspect picnic sites.
“On our case its more on river safety ta diyay ugali tayu nga apan agpicnic ket adda napaspasamak idi, adda dagiti unluckily nga pimmusay idiay karayan during the Holy week and summer vacation,” he said.
Despite the proposed regulations, Mayor Darwin Estrañero reminded parents that they are ultimately responsible for their children’s safety and wellbeing, urging them to be more vigilant in supervising their children and prohibiting them from swimming in rivers, swimming pools, and irrigation canals, especially without adult supervision.
