DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 01 May) — Speakers at a “Throwback Thursday” forum organized by the Davao Historical Society emphasized the Davao River’s dual role as a historical foundation and a critical site for ongoing conservation efforts amid environmental challenges and rapid urbanization. Held at SM City Davao Annex on April 30 in celebration of Earth Month, “Davao River: Water, Heritage, & Conservation” featured presentations from the Davao City Water District (DCWD) and environmental group Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability. Environmental planner Lemuel Lloyd Manalo highlighted that rivers should be viewed as interconnected systems shaped by history, ecology, and settlement patterns, noting that some subdivisions and infrastructure projects face recurring issues due to overlooking the river’s natural flow and historical context. He stressed that understanding a place’s history is essential for sustainable development, as projects ignoring environmental history often lead to long-term risks. DCWD spokesperson JC Duhaylungsod noted Davao City’s resilience, with multiple water sources providing a buffer against disruptions, though conservation remains vital due to issues like plastic waste, untreated wastewater, and agricultural runoff. Manalo pointed out that domestic waste, particularly fecal contamination, is a primary concern for the Davao River’s water quality, emphasizing the need for improved wastewater treatment facilities. Beyond conservation, the forum highlighted efforts to reclaim the river as a cultural and heritage site, proposing initiatives like heritage walks and renaming the Bucana Bridge after Datu Bago. The speakers called for balancing development with environmental protection and fostering collective responsibility to safeguard the river for future generations. (Bea Gatmaytan/MindaNews)
