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The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 2 leads environment stakeholders in a global movement for a trash-free seas.
 
In the simultaneous International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) celebration held today, more or less 5,400 kilograms of non-biodegradable and residual wastes were removed in various cleanup sites with a total of 43.5-kilometer stretch along the coastal areas, rivers, and esteros regionwide. These trash collected were properly disposed in coordination with the concerned local government units (LGUs).
 
In Tuguegarao City, Regional Executive Director Gwendolyn Bambalan of DENR Cagayan Valley, who spearheaded the cleanup along the Pinacanauan Avenue stressed proper management of waste which must start from the households and community to avoid litter draining to waterways and marine environment.
 
"We appeal for your support and cooperation to refrain from littering anywhere and to end the flow of trash from the source," Director Bambalan said as she emphasized that the bulk of solid wastes are land-based and originated from residential areas.
 
The regional environment chief appreciated the presence of participating groups in the said endeavor. "The DENR needs your support in our programs because cleaning the environment is a shared responsibility," she added.
 
Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Regional Director Angel Encarnacion and Tuguegarao City ENR Officer Marcelino Gumabay have manifested support to take part in reducing waste for healthier major tributaries.
 
Punong barangays Lucas Ballad and Mariano Baylon of Centro 9 and 10, respectively, in the said City committed to conduct regular cleanup along the Pinacanauan River which is the most flood-susceptible area during occurence of heavy rains and strong typhoons.
 
The DENR-led cleanup has mobilized 2,290 DENR employees and partners from the local government units, national government agencies, law enforcement groups, and academe.
 
This was successfuly conducted in 25 designated cleanup sites namely; Charatayan and San Antonio in Basco, Panatayan in Mahatao, Malakdang in Sabtang, Radiwan in Ivana, Imnajbu in Uyugan, all in Batanes; Balzain-Caritan Creek and Pinacanauan Avenue in Tuguegarao City, Masisit in Sanchez Mira, Punta in Aparri, San Vicente in Sta. Ana, San Jose in Baggao, Tupang in Alcala, Anquiray in Amulung, all in Cagayan; Baculud in City of Ilagan, Palagao and San Jose in Jones, Carabatan Chica in Cauayan City, Digumased in Dinapigue, Diddadungan in Palanan, Diana in Maconacon, Antagan 1st in Tumauini, all in Isabela; San Pedro and Villa Agullana in Maddela, Disinaba Bridge to Ganano Bridge in Diffun, all in Quirino; and Benay River and Bagumbayan in Dupax del Sur, Banganan in Aritao, and Baringin in Bayombong, all in Nueva Vizcaya.
DENR Assistant Regional Directors, Bureau Regional Directors, and provincial and community environment and natural resources officers also led the event in the different field offices.
 
The ICC is celebrated in the Philippines every 3rd Saturday of September by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 470 s. 1993.#