The Intramuros Administration (IA) kicked off ‘Cleantramuros’ on Friday, March 17, leading some 300 volunteers to help clean the Walled City to protect and conserve its historical and cultural value.
The ceremony was held at Plaza Roma, Intramuros, led by IA Administrator lawyer Joan M. Padilla. Attending the event were representatives of government agencies, schools and establishments located in Intramuros.
Volunteers from DPWH line up for registration
In her opening speech, Padilla brought attention to the fact that Intramuros had won the World Travel Awards as Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction. “Napakaganda pong pakinggan na ilang beses na po tayong nanalo sa World Travel Awards ng Asia’s Leading Tourist Attraction. In fact, we are also vying for the same title this year.”
Padilla explained the rationale of the “Cleantramuros” project: “A clean up drive intends to educate and to reveal the true essence and beauty of a place. In the case of Intramuros, it has a well-grounded history and its beauty, if only valued and appreciated, will reveal Manila’s gem, a treasured beauty that we have.”
“Tulungan po nating ibigay ang deserve na pagmamahal ng Intramuros. Tulungan po natin itong maging malinis. Sana po makita ko kayo ulit sa susunod na dalawang linggo (Let’s all help give back Intramuros the love it deserves. Let’s all help Intramuros to be clean. I hope to see you again in the next two weeks),” she said.
The clean-up activity will be implemented twice a month.
After the clean-up activity, the volunteers will be treated to free entrance and tour to IA-managed sites.
Jeffrey P. Yap, IA officer in charge of Urban Planning and Community Development, said 400 volunteers participated in the kick-off activity. Among the volunteers were residents of barangays 654, 655, 656, 657 and 658.
The first clean-up activity covered the following streets: Bonifacio Drive, Gen. Luna Street, Andres Soriano Avenue, and Sta. Lucia Street. A team was assigned to clean-up Plaza Espana, Plaza Sto. Tomas, Plaza Roma, and Plazuela de Sta. Isabel. Also covered in the first “Cleantramuros” were Barangays 654, 655, 656, 657, and 658. (Patricia Dela Roca)