At A Glance
- (DILG PHOTO)
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) launched on Saturday, Sept. 16, the “Barangay and Cleanliness Day or BarKaDa’’ in the Metro Manila esteros and creeks and other waterways in the provinces.
In the National Capital Region (NCR), the clean-up drive launching was conducted at the Estero de Fire Apog in Barangay 135 Tondo, Manila and other creeks and esteros in Quezon City, Caloocan City, Pasig City, Las Piñas City, Mandaluyong City, San Juan City and Pasay City.
“BarKaDa aims to maintain a healthy and safe environment and prevent the spread of diseases through proper solid waste management,’’ the DILG said.
In Memorandum Circular 2023-133, DILG Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos Jr. urged the barangays to pass an ordinance or resolution declaring one day of the week as BarKaDa.
Earlier, Abalos called on the country’s 42,027 barangays and the public to support the Sept. 16 national launching of the “Barangay at Kalinisan Day” (BarKaDa).
“Halina’t makiisa, halina’t maki-BarKaDa sa Sabado, Sept. 16. Magtulong-tulong tayong linisin ang ating mga pamayanan para sa mas maayos at ligtas na kapaligiran (Let us cooperate and join the BarKaDa drive on Saturday, Sept. 16. Let us help clean our communities for an orderly and safe surrounding),’’ Abalos said.
The DILG asserted that the BarKaDa is a nationwide community-based clean-up drive program, geared to maintain and provide a healthy and safe environment and prevent the spread of diseases through proper solid waste management.
During the BarKaDa drive, the DILG noted that the barangays are expected to conduct coastal clean-up, dredge clogged waterways, prune thick bushes or branches and dismantle breeding places of mosquitoes in coastal areas, waterways, creeks, public parks, roads and other public spaces within their areas.