DENR leads massive coastal cleanup in Pampanga towns

 

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here, in partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Pampanga 4th District Representative Anna York Bondoc, spearheaded a massive coastal cleanup in support of the Manila Bay cleanup and rehabilitation program.

 

About 2,500 Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) joined forces with the DENR here to clean up major river systems and water bodies in Apalit, Candaba, Macabebe, Masantol, Minalin, San Luis, San Simon, and Sto. Tomas.

 

The 10-day cleanup drive resulted to the collection of about 1,950 cubic meters of waste, mostly composed of plastic beverage bottles, drinking straws, and cups; foamed fragments like styrofoam food containers and plates; film plastics such as plastic food wrappers, candy wrappers, and sando bags.

 

Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo expressed his gratitude for the collaboration and highlighted the importance of concerted action in safeguarding and enhancing the water quality of Manila Bay.

 

"We are immensely grateful for the unwavering dedication of all those who participated in this coastal cleanup initiative. Their commitment to protecting our marine ecosystems is truly commendable and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship," Pablo remarked.

 

The activity underscored DENR’s commitment to environmental stewardship and represents a significant step forward in addressing the urgent issue of marine pollution and its detrimental effects on coastal environments, particularly on Manila Bay. (-30)