Over 133 million kilograms of waste materials were collected from various drainage systems and waterways across the country since January last year, the the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) disclosed on Monday, Aug. 11. 

In a statement, the DILG said the massive clean-up drive was through the  “KALINISAN (Kalinga at Inisyatiba para sa Malinis na Bayan)’’ with a goal of mobilizing local government units and communities for regular clean-up campaign.

“It addresses solid waste management while directly supporting flood prevention efforts by clearing waterways, drainage systems, and public spaces of clog-causing debris and plastic waste,’’ the DILG maintained.

The DILG noted that the key component, which is the Barangay at Kalinisan Day (BARKADA), mandated weekly clean-ups in every barangay, often held during Saturdays. 

From Jan. 6, 2024 to May 3, 2025, the DILG pointed out that over 22,000 barangays have cleaned around four million sites nationwide. 

The DILG disclosed that around 500,000 individuals, including 166,000 barangays had participated in the weekly clean-up activities.

“The program ensures proper waste disposal through segregation, transport to transfer stations, recycling in materials recovery facilities (MRF) and composting,’’ it added.

Under the program, the DILG also recognized that initiatives like “Palit Basura (in exchange for trash) have promoted waste-to-goods exchange, while composted fertilizer supports community gardens. 

The DILG stressed that the nationwide clean-up measures prevent plastics and other clog-prone waste from entering waterways, reducing the risk of urban flooding.

“KALINISAN is more than a clean-up drive. It is a disaster risk reduction, public health, and nation-building strategy—proving that clean communities are safer, healthier, and more resilient against floods, disease, and disorder,’’ the DILG concluded.