Cebu City youth dared to do 'clean up challenge'

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Vice Mayor Donaldo “Dondon” Hontiveros has challenged the youth to be part of the solution and make their communities clean as the city government did another citywide clean-up yesterday.

Renaming its activity from a drive to a “clean-up challenge” has its reasons.

“This time around, ni-adjust ta sa millennials ug Gen Z nga kusog kaayo magpauso og challenge sa TikTok. Not only is this renaming aimed to appeal to the younger generation who will inherit the Earth from us, it also addresses the need to make cleanliness go viral,” said Hontiveros at IL Curso yesterday together with Mayor Michael Rama and other officials and volunteers.

Hontiveros has called on for everyone to “infect” others with its cleanliness.

“Let us infect other not with COVID-19 but with the desire to keep our surroundings clean…to ensure healthier Cebuanos. Limpyohan nato atong kaugalingong tugkaran, para masigurado nga himsog ang mga namuyo dinhi,” added Hontiveros.

In ending, Hontiveros also relates TikTok as they continue to pursue cleanliness in the city, not only for a day but for always.

“Let us go out with TikTok mindset…keep it quick but effective…make it fun, and most of all, spread the word that we are cleaning up Cebu one corner at a time,” challenged Hontiveros.

Yesterday’s activity saw close to 4,000 volunteers spread in all barangays as some non-governmental organizations (NGOs), fraternities, and civic groups also showed up to help.

There was, however, not much heavy equipment used this time as the City Engineering Department is busy at “ground zero” in Sitio Lawis in Mambaling.

 Reymar Hijara, the subcommittee chairperson for the Cebu City Coastal Management Task Force (CMTF), in an interview with The Freeman noted that they find more garbage this time than the previous clean-up activity, but could not tell the total collection as of press time.

At IL Curso alone, Hijara said the opening of more economic activities plus the northeast monsoon, also known as Amihan, has brought in more garbage to the city.

Aside from the clean-up drive in the surroundings, the city is also including in its activity the rehabilitation of the Campanario Shoal. — GMR (FREEMAN)