SAN PEDRO CITY, Laguna (PIA) – Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr. calls on parents and community leaders to help instill the habit of cleanliness and environmental conservation in the youth.
During the weekly ‘Kalinga at Inisyatiba para sa Malinis na Bayan’ or KALINISAN clean-up activity of the DILG at Barangay Pacita 1, San Pedro City, Laguna on April 6, Abalos urges youth to be active in cleaning their surroundings as a way of conserving the country’s natural resources.
According to the interior secretary, around 0.78 million tons of solid waste were collected in Laguna province, where some ended up in Laguna de Bay. Abalos said that unity in communities is important for conserving the environment.
“Garbage doesn't only come from those living near Laguna de Bay as trash flows from various places. It reflects our solidarity as a community and as Filipinos. I believe that it starts in the barangay and it starts with all of us. Let's help each other. Let’s make a difference,” Abalos added.
San Pedro Mayor Art Joseph Mercado fully supports the objectives of the clean-up drive and says that cleanliness is not merely for aesthetics, but reflects the pride and respect of their community for the environment.
DILG secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos, Jr. calls on parents and community leaders to help instill the habit of cleanliness and environment conservation to the youth. (Christopher Hedreyda/PIA-Laguna)
Mercado said: “By actively participating in this initiative, we are not only beautifying our surroundings but also fostering a culture of responsibility and care for our environment.”
The local chief executive hopes that the clean-up drive, which happens weekly in Barangay Pacita I even before the KALINISAN program, will inspire community members to develop the habit of better waste management.
“I urge everyone of you to join hands in this concerted effort, whether picking up litter, planting trees, or advocating for waste management practices. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to the greater good,” he added.
Regina Gulpan, a community leader from Brgy. San Vicente in San Pedro adheres to the call for participation by the secretary and the mayor by holding regular community service to prevent the spread of diseases in the neighborhoods.
“This program serves a very noble purpose for our country. [The program] is important so we can prevent diseases, especially now that our youth need a clean environment.”
The KALINISAN Program in San Pedro is the 11th iteration of the program nationwide and was attended by members of the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, other national and provincial government agencies and departments, and civil society organizations.
The program adheres to the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028 and is closely monitored by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in support of his administration’s Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance. (CH/PIA-Laguna)
The KALINISAN Program in San Pedro is the 11th iteration of the program nationwide and was participated by members of the PNP, BFP, BJMP, and other national and provincial government agencies and departments, and civil society organizations. (Christopher Hedreyda/PIA-Laguna)
