More Than 1,000 kg of Trash Collected After PGLU Coastal Clean Up Activity

By: Diana E. Jutba, GPC-ENRU | Date: January 25, 2020

About 1,195.50 kg of trash were collected and disposed in the sanitary landfill of Bauang, La Union during the second beach fun walk activity cum coastal clean-up drive dubbed as "Pagna Pagna para iti Basura." Said activity was spearheaded by the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU) – Environment and Natural Resources Unit (ENRU) in partnership with the Municipality of Bauang and Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau Region 1 on January 25, 2020 along the shorelines of Barangay Paringao to Barangay Pugo, Bauang, La Union as part of the National Zero Waste Month.

This year, a total of 832 participants joined the event from different sectors and organizations. Students from Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University-Mid La Union Campus, barangay officials and residents, non-government organizations and environmental advocates actively participated in the event. Compared to the previous year, more participants joined the activity this year and volume of waste collected has also increased by 375.5 kg.

"But the bigger issue here is not where our waste end up, but where our waste begins... it’s not yet too late to become more environmentally-sensitive and proactive. Celebrations like the Zero Waste Month serve as reminders for us to be more conscious and sensitive to our waste generation and lead a lifestyle that is sustainable, responsible, and fulfilling,” governor Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III reiterated in his message read by ENRU Head Annalyn Valdez.

The top six participants with the most number of collected trash were awarded with cash prizes and certificates. The youngest and oldest finishers were also given cash prizes. Winners were Ulysses C. Espina, 46.2 kg of trash collected; Erlinda Villanueva, 33.6 kg of trash collected; Rodel Gundran, 32.6 kg of trash colllected; Jaybe Fontanos, 32.5 kg of trash ; Rolando Aragon, 31.2 kg of trash collected; and Jamil Navalta, 24.5 kg of trash . The youngest finishers were Prince Edrian P. Noran, 8 years old and Ambher Angela Nisperos, 7 years old. The oldest finishers were Romeo Paredes, 81 years old and Josefa Gacad, 76 years old.

Through Presidential Proclamation No. 760, January was declared as National Zero Waste Month. This serves as reminder to be mindful of the waste produced.