VIRAC, Catanduanes (PIA) – The municipal government’s garbage haulers collected at least six cubic meters of waste during a cleanup drive held at Barangay Palnab del Sur on Saturday, January 6. 

This volume was equivalent to two truckloads of garbage, according to the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office. 

The cleanup drive dubbed “Kalinisan sa Bagong Pilipinas” also gathered at least 483 volunteers. 

The "Kalinisan Day" activity was launched in all barangays across the province of Catanduanes as part of the "Kalinisan sa Bagong Pilipinas" initiative of the current administration. 

This program aims to consolidate governmental efforts to ensure a healthy and safe environment by empowering local government units and fostering community engagement rooted in the bayanihan tradition. 

The kick-off ceremony was held at Barangay Palnab Del Sur, the showcase barangay of Virac. 

During the opening program, Provincial Director Uldarico Razal Jr. presented an overview of the program and emphasized the importance of collective action in preserving barangay cleanliness and safeguarding the environment for future generations. 

Punong Barangay Reagan Lumbao welcomed the participants, including representatives from various national and local government agencies who affirmed their commitment to support initiatives such as this program. 

Meanwhile, Mayor Samuel Laynes expressed his gratitude to all attendees for their active participation in the cleanup. 

In the message of Gov. Joseph Cua, which was read for him by Provincial Administrator Eulalia Talaran, he emphasized how the activity demonstrated a "show of force" of the government that is “ready to serve the public in 2024.”