BACOLOD City – The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) approved on its third and final reading a proposed ordinance establishing Sum-ag River as a tourist destination.
The city has become a gateway for various tourist destinations, and it is the prerogative of the local government to maintain and preserve the natural resources situated here, said Councilor Jason Villarosa, proponent of the ordinance.
The SP committee on tourism chair further said the ordinance shall only cover the Sum-ag River of this city, stretching from the boundary between Bacolod City and Bago City up to the mouth of the river where it meets the Guimaras Strait.
The ordinance prohibits the littering of plastics, papers, and other refuse in the river; indiscriminate throwing and dumping of garbage or any kind of waste in the river; and building of illegal structures.
Any person found vandalizing traffic signs and tourism-related signage and any act of nuisance committed in Sum-ag River or around it will be penalized.
A fine of a minimum of P1,000 to a maximum of P3,000 or 15 hours of community service will be meted out to any violators of the said ordinance.
A Sum-ag River Council was created for the implementation and monitoring of this ordinance./PN
