By Brian Jules Campued
The country is producing nearly 22 million tons of waste materials yearly with Metro Manila topping the list of waste producers with some 3.65 million tons, according to Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr.
Abalos made the statement during a cleanup activity at Barangay Daanghari Coastal Dike in Navotas City on March 9 where he, along with Mayor John Reynald Tiangco, led over 500 residents who joined the initiative.
Citing data from the National Solid Waste Management Commission, he added that Navotas produces about 28,193 tons of garbage, consisting mostly of plastics that end up in the ocean.
The Interior Chief stressed that unhampered dumping of waste in waterways that lead to the sea could destroy marine life and reduce catch for fishermen.
Even though Navotas has around 72 pumping stations, Tiangco noted that regular weekly coastal cleanup is important to keep the city flood-free.
He likewise reiterated the Marcos administration’s “Kalinga at Inisyatiba para sa Malinis na Bayan (KALINISAN) sa Bagong Pilipinas” program as he enjoined the public to recite the pledge of commitment for cleaner communities.
“Para sa isang Bagong Pilipinas, at para sa susunod na henerasyon ako ay nangangakong isaisip, isagawa, at isapuso ang kahalagahan ng malinis na kapaligiran, pag-unlad sa sarili, ng aking pamilya, at ating bayan,” Abalos said, leading the pledge.
Launched in January, the KALINISAN program intends to uphold clean and green governance at the barangay level by promoting cleanliness and sustainability among communities.
“Kung malinis ang ating lugar, walang krimen, talagang uunlad ang ating bayan,” Abalos said. – avds
