CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – In partnership with the Department of Labor and Employment, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the Office of Pampanga 4th District Representative Anna York Bondoc, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources is continuing its large-scale clean-up drive as part of efforts to rehabilitate Manila Bay and its tributaries.
Implemented through DOLE’s Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program, the initiative mobilized 180 workers to clear rivers, esteros, and coastal areas of waste.
The DENR also deployed 220 river rangers who continue to support monitoring and clean-up activities in waterways across the district.
The activity builds on the success of a similar campaign conducted in 2024, wherein DENR and its partners mobilized communities across eight municipalities in Pampanga and collected approximately 1,950 cubic meters of waste within 10 days.
“This is more than a one-day activity. It is part of a continuing mission to protect our coastal ecosystems and ensure a cleaner, greener future for our communities,” said DENR Region 3 executive director Ralph Pablo, noting that the initiative reflects the agency’s continuing commitment to environmental stewardship and community participation.
Pablo underscored the importance of sustained collaboration among government agencies, local government units, and communities in addressing solid waste pollution and improving the condition of waterways that eventually drain into Manila Bay.
The clean-up drive has also drawn support from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, local government units, volunteers, and community members, highlighting a whole-of-community approach to environmental protection and waterway rehabilitation.
To date, the ongoing clean-up activities have resulted in the collection of more than 1,180 kilograms of waste from rivers, esteros, and other waterways in Pampanga, contributing to efforts to improve water quality, reduce flood risks, and promote a cleaner environment for local communities. DENR-3
