In celebration of the 2021 World Water Day, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol headed by OIC, Regional Executive Director Atty. Antonio A. Abawag spearheaded various activities regionwide on March 22, 2021.

In Camarines Sur, CENRO Sipocot conducted a Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA) Campaign about the significance of water resources at Barangay Caranan, Pasacao, Camarines Sur. Consequently, a cleanup drive along the shorelines of Caranan and Balogo, Pasacao was held in coordination with the Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU), the Local Government Unit (LGU) and the beach owners in the area. Likewise, an IEC and film-showing were also conducted by CENRO Goa in celebration of the World Water Day.

PENRO Camarines Norte, on the other hand, conducted series of activities such as Communication, Education and Public Awareness (CEPA), Bamboo planting and river cleanup at the barangays around the Bicol Natural Park.

Moreover, PENRO Masbate together with CENRO Mobo spearheaded a joint coastal cleanup with the Rotary Club of Masbate and the members of Samahan ng Mangingisda ng Puro Sinalikway (SAMAPUSI) at Buntod Reef Marine Sanctuary at Masbate City. A total of 10 bags of plastic wastes were collected in the said cleanup. Further, CENRO San Jacinto with the teaching and non-teaching staff of Rizal Integrated School planted some 150 Mahogany seedlings within the timberland area of Barangay Rizal, Monreal, Masbate.

Furthermore, PENRO Sorsogon together with the LGU Gubat and the Gubat Water District planted 100 assorted Cacao and Narra seedlings at Cabigaan, Gubat, Sorsogon. Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials were also distributed after the activity.

PENRO Catanduanes also planted 100 Narra seedlings at Marilima Elementary School at Virac, Catanduanes. Approximately 40 kilograms of wastes were collected during the coastal cleanup activity in the same barangay. Further, IEC materials were also distributed to the participants.

The 2021 World Water Day with the theme, “Valuing Water” aims to strengthen awareness and action towards water conservation. The DENR Bicol is continually conducting awareness campaigns such as CEPA and other activities to provide knowledge on practical and responsible use of our natural resources. Further, the DENR is seeking the public’s cooperation in conserving and protecting the water resources through responsible waste management in the communities.