EDITORIAL

“Mighty” Aklan River’s Rise and Fall

by ERNESTO T. SOLIDUM

A video documentary of typhoon Frank widely circulated on DVD catches the human life drama, survival, and hope. Etched on the faces of Aklanons are tragedies of unprecedented proportions. Yet, loss of earthly treasures is nothing compared to life itself. Yes, from the events that unfurled, indomitable spirit of people prevailed over seemingly hopeless odds. Either working alone or in cooperation with others, rehabilitation and relief were smooth. With victory achieved, Aklanons could laugh at the storm, flood or any other disaster. Bayani Fernando was an overnight hero to some, but real heroes are the Aklanons.

A striking contrast on behavioral pattern of “mighty” Aklan river was also uncovered. During a storm, it was like Yangtze river (in China) on a warpath. Aside from destroying lives and properties, it deposited hundreds of tons of mud and debris on business, residential and public places. However, during normal periods it is gentle enough though massive in its strength. It just swirls and bends over the curve, tumble over rocks, burps on ledges and murmurs beyond stream. Brown ribbon of water divides and merges where pockets of cultivated crops and grasslands occur.

Aklan river originates at central highlands of Panay Island where four provinces of Iloilo, Antique, Capiz and Aklan converge. Acclaimed as the biggest river ecosystem in Panay, it is also the longest at 60 kilometers. It is complemented by another big tributary, the Timbaban river coming from the hinterlands of Madalag.

Historians said that our pre Hispanic forebears began their first settlement along big rivers, their nipa huts strewn in linear fashion. Cogent reason: Water is a primary source of life. Bathing, washing of clothes, drawing of potable water and fishing are done right there in the backdoors. Cold crystal clear water provides steady source of freshwater fish like dalag, eel, shrimps, crabs, catfish and others. Lush grassland and forest cover abound with monitor lizard, wild ducks, deer, water snake, wild chicken and warthogs. Early Filipinos are confirmed animists or spirit worshippers. They had a high respect for Mother Nature, hence conscious efforts were done to protect the environment.

The waterway also provided efficient transport of people and agricultural products from the highlands to the lowlands and vice versa. Roads and public transport were non-existent during those times. With the presence of thick vegetation and virgin forest, undoubtedly Aklan river was fairly deep and considered navigable for small watercraft from its mouth in Kalibo to as far as Libacao. Barter trade among native population was brisk leading to the establishment of trade outpost. Later, it became permanent population centers and this is exactly why Libacao, Banga, Madalag and Kalibo had their Poblacions located near the Aklan river.

The modern age has ushered in comfort and luxury in life but at great sacrifice to our ecological environment. Cars and factories spew millions of tons of toxic wastes annually. Illegal loggers’ and kaingeros’ destruction of forest remains unabated. The result is global warming which spawn El Niño (drought), La Niña flood, silting of riverbeds and lakes and blanching of coral reefs. Forest trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen. They are invaluable components of the water cycle and cornerstone of watersheds.

Efforts to mitigate the effects of big floods to population centers as Libacao, Banga and Kalibo appear futile. Building flood control dikes and gabions costing millions of pesos can be considered wasteful spending of public funds. At best, its lifespan is good only for a few years. Desilting of rivers, a pet project of DPWH in nearby Romblon province is considered palliative in nature.

Remarkably, Kalibo is highly vulnerable to coastal subsidence, a condition where low lying areas are reclaimed by the sea. According to Intergovernment Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global warming induces accelerated melting of polar ice caps and causes sea water to rise y 2–3 feet for the next 50 years (2050). Elevation of provincial capital (Kalibo) is barely 2 meters above sea level. By the end of the century if the use of fossil fuels and destruction of forests remain unabated, half of Kalibo’s population will be underwater. It can even be worse for our tourism industry in Boracay.Long range planning is obviously needed to mitigate impending nightmare due to the recurring floods and coastal subsidence. Practical solution is to conduct an all out reforestation program in all lands more than 18 percent slope. There are enough laws and ordinances governing forest conservation which the responsible officials do not implement. By all means, these laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations must be implemented. A variety of fast growing forest trees must be planted not on highways (they are potential danger to motorists and electrical installations) but on barren mountains and hillsides. The rise and fall of Aklan river actually depend on all Aklanons to lend their support and cooperation. /MP