Anilao River in Ormoc City

Anilao River in Ormoc City looks serene during sunny days. Residents nearby still find the waterway useful in many ways despite its world-wide reputation as the river that caused thousands of deaths years ago. The green landscapes along the banks indicate that the water hasn't really risen higher over an extended time.

The bridge replaced the old one that connected Cogon to the heart of the city. It used to be upstrean and now private and public vehicles alike cross that part of the river with confidence. The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) also made sure the concrete dikes protect the banks from the penetrating effect of water. Slits dams trap floating logs and other debris that can block the flow of water. It would have been more interesting, though very ambitious, to dig wider and deeper to allow small leisure watercraft to sail the length of the Anilao and Malbasag rivers, much like an atomic River Danube. Lol.