Around 1,300 state workers, uniformed personnel, youth, and volunteers came united in the region-wide tree growing and cleanup activities in Central Luzon, in support of the global drive for cleaner and healthier communities during this year’s celebration of World Environment Day.

 

The massive cleanup spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here was supplemental to the government’s efforts of reducing plastic pollution and keeping waterways free from solid waste.

 

It resulted in the collection of around 570 cubic meters of solid waste from coastal areas and waterways in the towns of Casiguran and Baler in Aurora, Orani in Bataan, Obando in Bulacan, the cities of Cabanatuan and San Jose in Nueva Ecija, City of San Fernando in Pampanga, Tarlac City in Tarlac, and the towns of Botolan and Masinloc and Olongapo City in Zambales.

 

Moreover, tree-growing activities were conducted in Casiguran, Aurora and Botolan, Zambales, where 1,750 native tree seedlings and bamboo propagules were planted.

 

Philippine Environment Month is celebrated every June of each year under Proclamation No. 237 signed in 1988, while the World Environment Day is observed every June 5.

 

This year’s theme is “No to Waste: Advancing Circular Economy to #BeatPlasticPollution,” which promotes immediate collective action to address plastic pollution.

 

It likewise promotes circular economy as a key to increasing material lifespan, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ending plastic pollution. (-30-)