The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) V successfully launched its Kalinga at Inisyatiba para sa Malinis na Bayan (KALINISAN) program today, January 6, 2024 on various areas in the Bicol region.

 

In the province of Albay, approximately one hundred thirty-seven (137) sacks weighing 1,338.5 kilograms of solid waste were collected during a cleanup activity at Barangay Dap-dap, Legazpi City.

 

Present during the activity were Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services (ARD-TS) Atty. Ronnel C. Sopsop, ARD for Special Concerns (SC) Adona P. San Diego, OIC, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) of Albay Engr. Jerry R. Arena, DENR regional and provincial personnel, Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), beneficiaries of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay Sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, students and faculty members of Dap-dap Elementary School, and the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), officials and residents of Barangay Dap-dap.

 

DILG V Regional Director Arnaldo E. Escober, Jr., expressed his gratitude to the local government unit (LGU) of Dap-dap and all its partner agencies who showed full support in the KALINISAN para sa Bagong Pilipinas Program. He also pledged DILG's continued support to all its partner-stakeholder future activities.

 

On the other hand, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Guinobatan personnel headed by OIC, CENR Officer Narisol C. Divina participated in a separate cleanup drive at Barangay Doña Mercedes, Guinobatan, Albay.

 

Moreover, DENR Bicol Regional Executive Director (RED) Francisco E. Milla, Jr., together with ARD for Management Services (MS) Ronnel B. Astor, and OIC, PENRO Herleo O. Pavericio of Camarines Sur led the cleanup drive at Barangay Sta. Elena Baras, Nabua, Camarines Sur.

 

The cleanup was attended by the PENRO Camarines Sur and CENRO Iriga personnel, Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Department of Education (DepEd) and other national agencies.

 

In the province of Sorsogon, a total of twenty (20) sacks weighing 370 kilograms of wastes were collected at Barangay Talisay, Sorsogon City, Sorsogon. About 220 participants, including some PENRO Sorsogon personnel headed by OIC, PENRO Marlon C. Francia showed their full support in the activity.

 

Meanwhile, the PENRO Camarines Norte led by OIC, PENRO Nestor Franz A. Fortuno gathered a total of fifty (50) kilos of wastes at Barangay Bagasbas, Daet, Camarines Norte.

 

DILG Provincial Director Melody E. Relucio led the activity, which was also actively participated in by various national and local government agencies, and academe in the province.

 

Further, approximately thirty-three (33) kilograms of solid wastes were collected by the PENRO Masbate headed by PENRO Benito B. Salazar and CENRO Mobo led by CENRO Jean V. Imperial during its cleanup drive at Tugbungan Sitio Himumuro, Barangay Nursery, Masbate. A total of three hundred eighty (380) participants attended the provincial launch.

 

Additionally, PENRO Catanduanes headed by PENRO Imelda D. Baltazar together with other national and local government agencies, academe and stakeholders in the province also participated in the KALINISAN program launching at Barangay Palnab del Sur, Virac, Catanduanes.

 

About 450 kilograms of solid wastes were generated, which were then collected by the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) Virac personnel for proper handling and disposal.

 

The KALINISAN Program is a convergence initiative to consolidate all efforts of the government to maintain and provide a healthy and safe environment for all by capacitating local government units and enabling community participation anchored on the tradition of "bayanihan".

 

Additionally, it aims to raise awareness on environmental responsibility, encourage local government units to invest in programs, projects and activities on solid waste and ecological practices, and set up a recognition system for the cleanest LGUs. (With report from P/CENROs) ###