News Update Pangasinan River System Now Safer

LINGAYEN - The prospects are a lot brighter for freshwater fisherfolk, following a massive cleanup and disaster risk reduction drive along river system in this province, Governor Amado T. Espino Jr. reported Thursday. Espino lauded the efforts of the River Clean-up Task Force, headed by retired police Senior Superintendent Paterno Orduna, for the swift clean-up and clearing operations. "Now, 90 percent of residents near waterways who directly benefit from the river's bounty can enjoy," said Orduna. The task force head also belied reports that the governor had banned residents from fishing in the river, saying that the clean-up operation only dismantled fish pens that posed hazards and obstructed the flow of water. (Liezle Basa Iñigo)