THE LEYTE Normal University recently constructed a park along the Mangonbangon River in Tacloban City, Leyte as part of its efforts to rehabilitate and preserve the area.

LNU President Jude Duarte said the university has maintained the area to bring back its former glory.

Duarte said they signed a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources years ago to maintain and protect the river from pollution.

“I believe that it is worthwhile and worth investing to improve the aesthetic of the area where lots of commuters pass by. Our students also take time to clean it up,” Duarte said.

The university has completed the first phase of the P2-million rehabilitation project that includes the construction of benches and railings, sanitation of the river and planting of trees, among others.

Duarte said that the project will send a message to its neighboring villages along the stretch of the river to also do the same.

“If we will keep on cleaning that area and the others would not do the same, it’s an exercise in futility. We want to set an example that reviving the Mangonbangon River is important, necessary and part of our social responsibility. So I am asking the different barangays to respond to our challenge,” he said.