SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – National government agencies, local governments, communities, and other stakeholders participated in the nationwide launching of the KALINISAN (Kalinga at Inisyatiba para sa Malinis na Bayan) sa Bagong Pilipinas Program in this city on January 6.

The region-wide launching of the program was held at the Poro Barangay Hall here, with various public and private partners converging to ensure proper solid waste management through the promotion of environmental responsibility.

The launching coincided with the commemoration of the Annual Community Development Day which is observed by virtue of Proclamation No. 341, highlighting the Filipino trait of ‘bayanihan’ through people’s participation that enables further development in the country.

Representatives from various agencies also participated, tapping the assistance of their respective beneficiaries for the cleanup drive.

Some of the regional line agencies who contributed to the activity include the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Philippine National Police (PNP),  the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, and the Department of Labor and Employment’s (DOLE) Tulong Panghanapbuhay Sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) beneficiaries for community work that ran from  7 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Community activities that were done during the launch include the cleaning of public spaces and facilities such as the dredging of clogged canals and coastal cleanup.

DILG Ilocos Regional Director Jonathan Paul Leusen, Jr. said that the participation of the region, particularly that of its citizens, in this nationwide activity ensured its contribution to the national goal of sustained development.

“This initiative is a vital pathway towards sustaining and enhancing the quality of our environment as a prerequisite for a progressive society,” Leusen said.

The cleanup drive forms part of the overarching brand of leadership of the Marcos administration centered on “Bagong Pilipinas,” which calls for change and transformation in all sectors of government and society. (JCR/AMB/CCMT, PIA La Union)