Batangas City Throws 'Bokashi Balls' for River Restoration

LUCENA CITY – The Batangas City government led a “bokashi ball” throwing event at Calumpang Bridge as part of its efforts to rehabilitate the river and improve its water quality. Held as part of the city’s 57th Foundation Day celebration, hurling “bokashi balls” aims to restore river quality, strengthen environmental protection measures, and encourage greater community participation in keeping local waterways clean, the City Public Information Office (PIO) said in a report on Tuesday. “Bokashi balls”, also known as mud balls, originated in Japan, where they are widely used to revive polluted waterways. READ: Bayanihan and corporate social impact They contain beneficial microorganisms that help break down organic waste, reduce foul odors, and decompose sludge accumulated in contaminated bodies of water, the PIO said, citing City Environment Officer Oliver Gonzales. Bokashi balls can also help improve soil quality. According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), a single bokashi ball can help treat approximately one cubic meter of sludge-laden water. This form of biotechnology has been used across the country, such as in the Manila Bay watershed. “Through programs such as this, the Batangas City government continues to promote a clean, safe, and greener environment for the benefit of both present and future generations,” the PIO said. The Calumpang River has a catchment area of about 472 square kilometers. It forms the southeastern boundary of Batangas City’s urban center before emptying into Batangas Bay. Local authorities said the river has faced increasing environmental pressure from rapid urbanization and agricultural runoff over the years, prompting the implementation of watershed protection measures and river cleanup initiatives./coa