DENR leads coastal cleanup in Las Piñas today

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will lead today the cleanup of the Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area in Las Piñas City.

DENR Secretary Ramon Paje said yesterday around 4,000 volunteers from 32 organizations, including government agencies, are expected to join the cleanup.

Paje said the event coincides with the launching of the “Million People Cleanup” along Roxas Boulevard aimed at cleaning three of Metro Manila’s river systems.

“The campaign seeks to encourage more volunteers from 17 cities and municipalities in the metropolis to help in the cleanup of the Tullahan River, San Juan River and Pasig River,” he said.

The DENR chief said the cleanup is part of continuing efforts to rehabilitate Manila Bay. 

“It seeks to foster not only public awareness, but also the sense of volunteerism among the people of Metro Manila in keeping the rivers and Manila Bay clean,” Paje said.

He said local government units in Metro Manila are supporting the cleanup of rivers, creeks and esteros.

Paje said the undertaking was also in compliance with a 2008 Supreme Court order,  which directed the DENR and nine other government agencies to rehabilitate and preserve Manila Bay.

Presidential Proclamation No. 244 was issued in 1993, declaring September as National Cleanup Month.