A total of 1,077 kilograms of garbage, equivalent to three truckloads, were collected and sorted from Maagmang Creek in Barangay XXI, Victorias City in Negros Occidental recently.
The barangay, identified as a flood-prone area, was the focus of the clean-up initiative due to the polluted state of the Maagmang Creek, that possibly contributed to the recent flooding in the city.
Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez led some 450 volunteers in the clean-up drive, where 700 kilograms of grass, twigs, bamboo, and other organic materials; 30 scrap refrigerators weighing 210 kilograms; and 100 kilograms of residual waste were collected.
Recyclables were also sorted, including 29 kilograms of soft plastics, like water bottles; 18 kilograms of hard plastics, such as plastic basins and spoons; five kilograms of steel; and 15 kilograms of assorted glass bottles, the city said Jan. 15.
The activity, aligned with the Department of Interior and Local Government’s Barangay Kalinisan Day (BarKaDa) program, and in the observance of Zero Waste Month, was spearheaded by the Victorias City Environment and Natural Resources Office.
Benitez thanked the participants and encouraged their continued support for community initiatives.
The participating organizations included the PGBI, Site 2 Villa Victorias Homeowners’ Officers, PNRC, Alert, National Auxiliary Chaplaincy Philippines Inc., Victorias PNP, Victorias Milling Company, United Riders Club Philippines, BJMP, BFP, Barangay XXI kagawads and workers, Alpha Kappa Rho, 605th Maneuver Company RMFB6, CDRRMO, Baskog Victorias, Barangay XXI OFW Association, Rotary Club, Yes-O Club members from the Negros Occidental National Science High School, members of the Muslim community, Bantay Katunggan, the Philippine Army and reservists from the 79th Infantry Battalion, 605th CDC, 6RCDG, and SAFRG PHI, among others.
Councilor Jose Maria Dino Acuña, City Administrator Atty. Lindolf De Castro, and Disaster Risk Reduction Management officer Rodolfo Retirado Jr. were also present to support the event that highlighted Victorias’ strong commitment to protecting the environment and keeping its residents safe. ||
