DAPITAN CITY – Dapitan vibrated with a collective spirit of environmental responsibility as all 50 barangays participated in the Department of Interior and Local Government's (DILG) Kalinisan sa Bagong Pilipinas Program on January 6, 2023 in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) - Piñan-Zamboanga del Norte.

Spearheaded by the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and Barangay officials, the initiative saw residents across the city unite in a massive clean-up drive, marking a significant step towards a cleaner and healthier Dapitan.

The nationwide program, which is rooted in the Filipino tradition of "bayanihan," aims to unite all government efforts towards environmental sustainability while also empowering local government units (LGUs) to invest in sustainable practices and raising awareness of proper solid waste management.

"The enthusiastic response from all Dapitan barangays to this program is truly inspiring," said DILG-Dapitan City Local Government Operations Officer (CLGOO) Vincent Roy Eustaquio. "This unified effort demonstrates the commitment of our communities to creating a cleaner and healthier environment for all. We are confident that with continued collaboration, we can achieve the program's goals and make Dapitan a shining example of sustainable living."

The City Mayor Hon. Seth Frederick “Bullet” P. Jalosjos echoed this sentiment, commending the leadership of the SK and Barangay officials in mobilizing their communities. "The youth are the future, and their active participation in this program is a testament to their commitment to environmental stewardship. I am proud of all Dapitanons who came together today to make a difference. Let us continue to work hand-in-hand to build a cleaner and brighter future for our city."

SK Federation President Lyza Salazar expressed her gratitude to the residents for their unwavering support. "The success of this clean-up drive belongs to each and every Dapitanon who answered the call to action. We, the SK, are committed to leading the way in environmental initiatives, and we hope that this is just the beginning of a long-lasting partnership between the youth and the community."

The campaign to clean up the neighborhood concentrated on streets, parks, public markets, canals, and schools and the ctizens removed congested drainage systems and collected trash bags, making the city observably greener and cleaner.

Mayor Jalosjos underlined that today's clean-up effort is not a one-day event, but rather the start of a long path toward a cleaner and healthier Dapitan. "The barangays' united spirit, the leadership of the SK and Barangay officials, and the City Government's unwavering support all pave the way for a brighter future for the city and its residents." Mayor Bullet remarked, "With continued collaboration and commitment, Dapitan can truly become a shining example of the Kalinisan sa Bagong Pilipinas vision." (PR)