SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) – The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) Region 1, in partnership with the local government unit (LGU) of Luna, held a coastal cleanup at Barangay Carisquis on Feb. 7 as part of its 6th anniversary celebration.
The initiative aimed to combat marine pollution, improve waste management, and promote community-led conservation.
Local officials, DHSUD representatives, youth groups, environmental advocates, and volunteers joined forces to clear plastic waste and debris from Luna’s shoreline. Among the collected waste were plastic bottles, food wrappers, discarded fishing nets, ropes, styrofoam, and microplastics—major pollutants that harm marine life and ecosystems.
DHSUD 1 Public Housing and Settlements Division Chief Dr. Claudine Valdez highlighted the importance of collaboration in preserving coastal areas.
“Protecting our coastal areas is a shared responsibility. Through initiatives like this, we are not just cleaning our shorelines but also raising awareness about environmental conservation,” she said.
Beyond cleanup, DHSUD and the Luna LGU are implementing sustainable waste management programs, strengthening recycling efforts, and promoting responsible tourism to reduce environmental impact. They are also engaging schools and communities in eco-friendly projects and integrating climate-resilient urban planning into local development.
These efforts directly benefit local industries, particularly fisherfolk who rely on clean waters for their livelihood.
“Clean water and a pristine shoreline are essential for us to maintain abundant fish catches. This project helps sustain our livelihood for future generations,” said Julius Niro, a fisherman from Barangay Carisquis.
The initiative reinforces the link between environmental conservation and sustainable human settlements, ensuring that development does not come at the cost of natural resources.
As La Union strengthens its role in sustainable development and eco-tourism, DHSUD urges individuals, businesses, and organizations to actively participate in preserving the province’s natural beauty. (CCMT/KJCR, PIA La Union)
