By Lizbeth Ann Abella/PNA
CARIGARA, Leyte — Taking inspiration from the recent clean-up drive in Manila Bay, 4,000 volunteers heeded the call for a mass coastal clean-up in Carigara, Leyte on Sunday afternoon.
Dubbed as “Limpyo Baybayon Ni Gara”, volunteers from the Department of Public Works and Highways, Philippine National Police, alumni associations, students, youth and fraternity organizations, residents, and local government officials, trooped to the town’s gym to converge and sign the pledge of commitment before the activity.
The clean-up event covered the villages of Guindapunan West, Guindapnan East, San Mateo, Bariis, Baybay, Visoria East and West, Tangnan, Barugohay Norte, and Naugisan.
Eduardo Ong Jr., the event’s chairman, said the successful drive came into reality after several discussions with village officials, who expressed concern on the pollution in Carigara Bay.
“What I saw in the waters are plastic garbages and wood debris and other waste. We also wanted to tap the potential of our town as a beautiful place. This prompted us to launch the clean-up drive,” Ong said. “I just hope that this activity will be a step towards more responsible actions towards our environment. We also hope for other and nearby towns to make the activity as an inspiration for them.”
The activity gathered 10 truckloads of solid wastes from the shoreline.