BUTUAN CITY — Sitio Tagkiling in Barangay Anticala was once synonymous with filth. Wastes were scattered freely, and pollution threatened the Taguibo River, the main source of drinking water for nearly 300,000 Butuanons. Today, it is a clean and green success story that has inspired an entire city. The transformation did not happen overnight, but through the collective effort of residents, government agencies, and a shared commitment to protect the environment, this small community turned its fortunes around.
From Polluted Creek to a Model of Cleanliness
The creek in Sitio Tagkiling was once a dumping ground for solid waste. Residents discarded trash without any care for its effect on their surroundings and the environment. Their carelessness resulted in pollution that threatened not only their community but also the Taguibo River, which supplies water to over 48,000 households in Butuan City. The turning point came when stakeholders introduced Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns that opened the eyes of residents to the effects of pollution. Amy Torralba, the Purok President of Sitio Tagkiling, described this as the moment they decided to change their ways for the better.
The KKK Program: Kalinisan, Kalusugan, Kalikasan
Torralba led the organization of the "Kalinisan, Kalusugan at Kalikasan" (KKK) program, a competition that encouraged every household to clean and beautify their own backyards. The initiative faced difficulties at first, but the community persevered until their target was attained. Today, every household in Sitio Tagkiling grows its own plants, mostly green leafy vegetables that support their basic food needs. The creek that was once a dumping site is now clean, with fenced banks that prevent anyone from throwing waste into it.
A Cooperative That Turns Waste into Cash
Residents learned proper solid waste segregation, and recyclables collected were converted to cash through the aid of their cooperative. Barangay officials supported the community by coming up with an ordinance to sustain their effort. The transformation was gradual, but residents now understand the basics: cleaning, planting vegetables and other crops, and valuing the importance of protecting the environment. Sitio Tagkiling has become famous not only in Barangay Anticala but in the entire City of Butuan for its clean and green program.
A Legacy of Environmental Stewardship
The success of Sitio Tagkiling has inspired neighboring communities, including Sitio Dugyaman, to follow its example. The Butuan City Water District (BCWD) continues to collaborate with the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Caraga and other government offices in educating residents and sustaining the momentum. The community's journey from rubbish to gem is a testament to what can be achieved when residents take ownership of their environment. As Torralba once dreamed, cleanliness has become natural—a way of life that will live on for generations to come.
