DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, Philippines (PIA) — A task force will soon be formed to devise ways to rehabilitate major rivers in Negros Oriental affected by tropical storm ''Sendong.''

In connection, Gov. Roel Degamo is expected to issue an executive order this week to formally create Task Force Kinabuhi, according to Capitol Information Officer Adrian Sedillo.

During a meeting attended by Degamo and mayors of 10 storm-affected towns and cities last January 4, Silliman University president and known environmentalist Dr. Ben Malayang III was selected to lead Task Force Kinabuhi.

Said group will conduct studies on rivers in the province, focusing first on Okoy, Banica and Tanjay rivers, and to come up with simple and practical solutions on rehabilitation and prevention of flooding to occur again.

Okoy, Banica and Tanjay rivers overflowed during at the height of said tropical storm last Dec. 17, 2011.

One of Malayang’s initial recommendations presented is to put up canals and water impounding projects along the major tributaries of Okoy and Banica rivers.

Another measure he suggested is to plant more bamboo along riverbanks.

Sedillo said the task force will convene again 15 days after the issuance of the impending order to discuss what measures will be implemented first based on their study.

The provincial government is currently conducting re-channeling, dredging and deepening activities along Banica and Okoy rivers.