Baliwag agencies, volunteers clean Angat River on ICC Day
Residents of Brgy. Tiaong joined the weekly cleanup drive of CENRO Baliuag on Friday, Sept. 19 (Photo from CENRO)
Government agencies, institutions, and private volunteers joined a cleanup drive along the Angat River trench between Barangays Tibag and Poblacion here on Friday, Sept. 19, in observance of International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day.
The activity, led by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), aimed to raise awareness on proper waste disposal and the protection of wetland areas.
Mayor Sonia Estrella earlier urged residents -- particularly the youth -- to participate, stressing that a clean environment is essential to public health.
She said a dirty environment causes diseases and poses a risk not only to humans but also to animals and nature.
"We must work together to maintain cleanliness and order in our environment," Estrella added.
Personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), National University (NU) Baliwag, and volunteers collected common waste such as cigarette butts, food wrappers, plastic containers, bottle caps, fishing nets, diapers, and beverage bottles.
CENRO said weekly cleanup drives are also being conducted in the city to keep drainage systems clear and prevent flooding during heavy rains.