September is ‘Clean up Month’

The month of September is "Philippine Clean up Month" pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 244. As part of its celebration, Environment Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Natural Resources (DENR) is conducting a campaign to intensify the awareness of market vendors, buyers and other sectors towards waste minimization.

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Michael Defensor said the campaign encourages market administrators and vendors’ associations to urge buyers to use the "bayong" and minimize the use of plastics and over-packaged consumer goods to reduce waste. Waste reduction helps solve the solid waste problem, as plastic waste is a major contributor to tons of garbage that are brought to the rivers and waterways.

Called "Bawas balot, bawas basura para sa malinis na estero," the campaign involves Paco Market, Pritil Market, Bambang Market, Sta. Ana Market, Arranque Market, Obrero and Antipolo Market, Dapitan Market, L and Y Pamilihan Market, Inc., Guadalupe Commercial Complex, Poblacion Market, Kamuning Market, Murphy Market.

Outside Metro Manila, the campaign is being carried out in the following markets and commercial establishments: San Fernando City Auxiliary Market in La Union; San Fernando Market in Pampanga; Kawit Public Market in Kawit, Cavite; Romblon Public Market in Romblon, Calapan Public Market in Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro; establishments near Sagup Creek in Naga City; Tacloban Supermarket in Tacloban City, Limketkai Mall and Ororama Mega Center in Cagayan de Oro City; Panabo Public Market in Davao del Norte; Koronadal City Public Market in Koronadal City; and Langihan Public Market in Butuan City, among them. – Benny Enriquez