Drainage cleanup resumes Sunday

Some 150 volunteers from the non-profit group MOVER and affiliated organizations will begin cleaning up nine stormwater drainages and combing 5.5 miles of shoreline from Garapan to San Roque starting this Sunday.

Benny K. Pangelinan, chairman of the Environmental Interagency Cooperative Operation Team, said the cleanup project will start at Lower Base this weekend and is expected to take eight consecutive Sundays.

EICOT supervises the project of MOVER, who has received a $5,000 grant from Mobil Marianas to conduct the drainage cleanup.

The project aims to reduce the uncontrolled flow of contaminated waste material, carcasses, and human waste into the northern lagoon, and to rid the shoreline of broken glass and other trash.

Pangelinan said the new project will cover drainages and shoreline from the American Memorial Park in Garapan to Paupau Beach in San Roque. This is a continuation of the organization’s cleanup efforts from San Antonio to Dai Ichi beach in Garapan.

Pangelinan urged local residents and workers to help in the cleanup. “By doing so, they would not only contribute in the beautification of the island, but also get some personal satisfaction from having done something worthwhile.”

He added that government officials are also encouraged to assist in small ways, such as donating snacks or lunch for the volunteers.

Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente has pledged to sponsor mid-morning snacks for the eight Sundays, while Rep. Justo Quitugua will take care of the volunteers’ lunch this Sunday.

Cecile Bamba Suda, Mobil Oil Marianas manager for public relations and government affairs, is expected to join volunteers on the first Sunday of the cleanup.

MOVER, an association composed of Filipino workers, has been engaged in several cleanup projects of the EICOT.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency honored MOVER during the 23rd Pacific Islands Environment Conference last month at the Dai Ichi Hotel Saipan Beach, naming the group as one of the recipients of the 2004 Environment Achievement Award.

MOVER has also received a resolution from the 14th House of Representatives in appreciation of its volunteer work.

Today, the group will be recognized by the Northern Islands and Saipan Municipal Council.

Formed in 2002, EICOT was initially composed by various government agencies such as the Coastal Resources Management Office, the divisions of Environmental Quality and Parks and Recreation; the departments of Public Health, Public Safety, Commerce and Public Works; the Marianas Visitors Authority; the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.; and the Saipan Mayor’s Office.

EICOT later gained the participation of private groups such as Filipino organizations MOVER, POWER, KAMPIL and Bicol Association, and private firm CTSI Logistics Inc.