CHILD SWIMMING WONDER JOINS DRIVE TO MAKE RP WATER SAFE
MANILA, MAY 4, 2008 (STAR) By Katherine Adraneda - The country’s problem on garbage and deteriorating water quality is not lost on anyone, least of all to a swimming prodigy who experienced it first-hand when he crossed the Mactan Channel in 2006.Seven-year-old Justin Daniel Junio met with Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza last week to ask him to ensure safe water for his generation.
Junio, recalling his experience crossing the channel in the Visayas in October 2006, said that “garbage (was) everywhere.”
“I saw garbage everywhere, floating discarded shoes and plastics. There were even carcasses of dead dogs and cats,” the young boy told Atienza.
Justin went to see Atienza before embarking on preparations for his planned feat to cross the waters of the Alcatraz Channel in San Francisco, USA this July or August.
“Please help my generation to have safer waters to swim in, Secretary Atienza,” the boy pleaded.
When he was six years old, Justin crossed the Mactan Channel. The feat took him almost two hours from the ferry terminal at Muelle Osmeña, Lapu-Lapu City to Ouano wharf, then back to Muelle Osmeña.
The youngster’s route was about three kilometers but the feat covered double the distance because strong currents threw Justin off course, and instead took him to the Old Mactan Bridge on his way back to Muelle Osmeña.
According to Justin’s mother, Velina Valentina, the DENR office in Cebu advised them against proceeding then with the boy’s planned crossing of the Mactan Channel, saying it was “not suitable for swimming” due to the high level of pollutants in the water.
Wilfred Uytengsu Jr., owner of Alaska milk products and a seasoned triathlete, was supposed to join Justin in crossing the channel but backed out due to the advisory given by the local DENR office.
Justin’s mother said her son proceeded in crossing the Mactan Channel only because of the commitment they had already given to the media.
In November 2007, Justin swam non-stop for three hours and 46 minutes to conquer the 10-kilometer long Hilutungan Channel between Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City.
To date, seven awards have already been conferred on Justin, including a presidential recognition given in February 2007 at the Rizal Hall in Malacañang by President Arroyo.
In response to Justin’s appeal, Atienza said he is aware of the degraded condition of the country’s bodies of water.
In fact, the DENR chief added, he is now seeking everyone’s assistance to clean and protect Philippine seas, lakes and rivers.
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
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