The country is producing an estimated 22 million tons of garbage annually with Metro Manila topping the list of waste producers with 3.65 million tons, according to Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin "Benhur" Abalos Jr. 

Abalos, citing data from the National Solid Waste Management Commission, called on the public to support the administration’s “Kalinga at Inisyatiba para sa Malinis na Bayan (KALINISAN) sa Bagong Pilipinas" program.

Recently, Abalos and Navotas City Mayor John Reynald M. Tiangco led over 500 Navoteños who joined the early morning cleanup activity at Barangay Daanghari Coastal Dike in reciting the pledge of commitment for cleaner communities. 

Reports disclosed that Navotas City alone produces 28,193 tons of garbage annually, the majority of which are plastics that end up in the ocean.

Abalos stressed that the unhampered dumping of waste in waterways that lead to the sea could destroy marine life and products, and result in lesser catch for fisherfolk.

For his part, Tiangco pointed to Abalos as his long-time role model and that the city’s award-winning project, Garden of Life, was patterned after Mandaluyong City where the DILG chief had served as mayor.

Even though Navotas City has 72 pumping stations, Tiangco noted that regular weekly coastal cleanup is very important to keep the city flood-free.

Launched in January this year, the KALINISAN program ignites the bayanihan spirit of the Filipinos as they take an active stance in maintaining cleanliness and promoting sustainable development. 

The activity in Navotas City was participated by representatives from various national government offices, academe, and other stakeholders.

Barangay Daanghari Coastal Dike is the seventh area in seven weeks visited by Abalos as part of the KALINISAN campaign.