In support of President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Jr.’s call for a cleaner and safer environment, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) spearheads the nationwide launch of the Barangay at Kalinisan Day (BarKaDa) at Estero de Sunog Apog, Barangay 135, Tondo, Manila on Saturday, September 16, participated by Metro Manila's local government units. (Photos courtesy: DILG)

MANILA, (PIA) -- The cities of Mandaluyong, Pasig, and San Juan came together on Saturday, September 16, to participate in the simultaneous nationwide clean-up drive organized by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). 

This inspiring initiative, dubbed, “Barangay at Kalinisan Day (BarKaDa),” aims to encourage barangays across the country to regularly conduct community-based environmental programs. 

These programs include the cleaning and maintenance of waterways such as esteros and creeks, as well as the promotion of solid waste disposal and management.

BarKaDa goes beyond just cleaning as it also embraces community gardening projects, anti-dengue activities, and various other environmental initiatives. 

This remarkable effort was set in motion through DILG Memorandum Circular 2023-133, which calls on local government units (LGUs) to pass ordinances and resolutions designating at least one day of the week dedicated to BarKaDa implementation within their barangays.

The launch of BarKaDa coincided with International Coastal Clean-up Day and marked the beginning of National Clean-up Week, demonstrating the cities' commitment to environmental conservation.

In the Eastern Metro, local government officials, volunteers, residents, local police officers, and personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) joined forces to make a significant impact. 

They tirelessly collected trash, including plastic bottles, plastic bags, and styrofoam, from streets, roads, and public spaces. Additionally, they undertook the challenging task of dredging clogged creeks.

In Mandaluyong, the cleaning efforts focused on vital waterways, including Maytunas Creek in Barangay Addition Hills, Maysilo Bridge, and Buhangin Creek in Barangay Hulo. 

Leading the clean-up drive in Mandaluyong were former Councilor lawyer Che Che Pablo-Santos, DILG Mandaluyong Director Patrick Megia, City Health Department Head Dr. Arnold Abalos, and Addition Hills Barangay Captain Carlito Cernal.

In Pasig City, approximately 40 community volunteers, officials from Barangay Dela Paz, members of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Committee (BESWMC), and the Asa Philippines Foundation united to clean areas around Hakbangan Creek and within the Octagon Phase III Subdivision. 

They collected an impressive 35 sacks of garbage, which included garden and solid waste, dried leaves, toiletries, and mud clay. 

The Barangay Peace and Order Council (BPOC) of Barangay Ugong, together with Clean and Green, also made significant contributions by clearing the Pasig City River Park. The BFP-Pasig conducted operations at the Parian Creek in Barangay Pinagbuhatan.

DILG San Juan Director Engr. Perla Upano and DILG Local Government Operations Officer (LGOO) Maricor Dayandante spearheaded the program implementation at the San Juan River.

The formal launch of BarKaDa took place in Tondo, Manila, on Saturday, personally led by DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos.

The DILG reported that this nationwide effort resulted in the cleaning of 10 esteros in Manila, five creeks in Quezon City, Las Piñas, and Caloocan, two creeks each in Pasay and Mandaluyong, a river in San Juan City, a creek in Taguig, and the Estero de Tripa de Gallina by dedicated community volunteers and local government personnel.

Several other cities in the National Capital Region (NCR) enthusiastically joined the BarKaDa launch, including Quezon City, Manila, Caloocan, Malabon, Muntinlupa, Taguig, Las Piñas, and Pasay cities. 

Remarkably, around 233 jail officers in NCR, under the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), actively participated in cleaning activities within their areas.

Beyond the Metro, several LGUs in provinces such as Ilocos Norte, Dinagat Islands, Iloilo City, Pangasinan, and Antique joined hands in this nationwide endeavor.

The success of the BarKaDa initiative underscored the importance of community-driven environmental programs and served as a shining example of collaboration and dedication toward a cleaner and greener future for all. (PIA-NCR)