March 29, 2024

BANGUED, Abra – The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro) and community environment and natural resources offices of Bangued and Lagangilang joined the celebration of World Wetlands Day through a cleanup drive along the Abra River.
Personnel of Penro-Abra led the cleanup drive of the Abra River at Barangay Poblacion, Tayum. The event was participated in by the local government unit, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Abrenian Youth Organizations Society.
Penro-Abra Technical Services Division Officer-in-Charge Shirley Leaño said the messages of this year’s wetland campaign are value, manage, restore, and love.
“We have to value our river system because it represents our wetlands here. Second is manage, which will be done through solid waste management, then restore the cleanliness of the riverbanks and water bodies and most importantly, love our wetlands, which means passion to take good care of our water system,” Leaño said.
“If our water system is polluted, it will affect the biology in our rivers.”
In Bangued, CENR Officer Forester Abreolo Joey C. Languisan led his staff members in a cleanup drive in Barangay Calaba in collaboration with the barangay local government unit and youth headed by Punong Barangay Joselito B. Adame.
Most of the collected waste materials were single-use plastics such as pet bottles, cellophanes, plastic cups, plastic wrappers, and bottles.
The collected waste materials were turned over to the barangay for proper disposal in compliance with Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.
World Wetlands Day is observed every Feb. 2 to raise awareness about wetlands to reverse their destruction and stimulate conservation and restoration efforts.
This year’s theme, “Wetlands Action for People and Nature,” highlights the importance of local initiatives to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands as a vital ecosystem for local communities. – Christian Tubadeza