The Municipality of E. B. Magalona hosted the coastal cleanup drive, spearheaded by the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO), to mark this year’s Earth Day celebration Monday [April 22].

More than 200 participants from various sectors participated in the cleanup drive in Barangay Tomongtong, and collected 30 sacks of plastic wastes, according to MENRO-designate Jojo Vargas.

After the cleanup drive, the participants went to the Tomongtong Mangrove Eco-Trail for a program, where Executive Assistant Matthew Louis Malacon welcomed and thanked them, on behalf of Mayor Marvin Malacon.

The participants included students and teachers from STI West Negros University, University of St. La Salle, and John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation; members of Mines Rehabilitation Fund Committee, officers and members of Negros Occidental Miners/ Permittees Association; members of Negros Initiatives for Climate Change and the Environment, PEMO- RSD, PEMO-PMD, and PEMO TSS.

Joining them were personnel from the 605th Company of the Regional Mobile Force Company, personnel of the E. B. Magalona PNP, barangay officials of Tomongtong, officers and members of Tomongtong Women’s Association, and personnel of the E. B. Magalona Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO).

“A massive shoutout to all our dedicated participants who selflessly contributed their time and effort to make a positive impact [on the environment],” PEMO said in a Facebook post.

This year’s theme was “Planet versus Plastics,” to call for widespread awareness on the health risks of plastics, to rapidly phase out all single-use plastics, to urgently push for a strong UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution, and to demand an end to fast fashion, PEMO also posted.

“We extend our deepest appreciation to the Local Government of E. B. Magalona under the leadership of Mayor Marvin Malacon, and to MENRO-designate Jojo Vargas for hosting the event,” PEMO said.

“Together, we’ve taken a significant stride towards preserving our environment and combating pollution. Let’s continue our collaborative efforts for a cleaner, healthier planet,” PEMO added.*

-E. B. MAGALONA PIO
Photos from PEMO, MENRO, and PCADG Western Visayas