The value of cleanliness should be instilled by the parents to their children at a young age to achieve progress in the country, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur’’ Abalos jr. stressed on Saturday, April 6.
He issued the call during the weekly KALINISAN (Kalinga at Inisyatiba para sa Malinis na Bayan) clean-up activity at Barangay Pacita 1 in San Pedro, Laguna.
"Ang kalinisan ay isang aspeto na sinisimulan sa mga bata pa lang. 'Yung mga bata, sabihan natin sila na huwag magtapon (Cleanliness is one aspect that should be started to the youth. The children, let us advise them not to trash anywhere). Let's make this a way of life," Abalos said.
Abalos stated that "old values stick" and it is important for communities to work together for the progress and cleanliness of the country.
He explained that remarkable changes for the better would only be realized when good values and habits such as cleanliness are practiced and have emanated first from the house of every “Juan dela Cruz (everyone).’’
During the cleanliness drive, Abalos commended San Pedro Mayor Art Mercado for ensuring that KALINISAN clean-up activities are done every week in every barangay in the city.
"Natutuwa ako na ginagawa n'yo na ito (cleanliness drive) linggo-linggo (I am glad that you are doing this every week). Governance is the core of a good society. Importante ang magaling na lider dahil hinihimok niya ang mga mamamayan sa kanyang adbokasiya (It is important to be a good leader since he is encouraging the public in his advocacy),’’ he added.
For his part, Mercado stated “Together, let us roll up our sleeves and make San Pedro una sa kalinisan, una sa Laguna (first in cleanliness, first in Laguna)."