CELEBRATING EARTH DAY THROUGH RIVER TREKKING, CLEAN UP DRIVE, AND ASSESSMENT ACTIVITY

Earth Day 2024

EARTH DAY‒The Local Government Unit of Manolo Fortich welcomes and celebrates this year’s Earth Month of April through a River Trekking Activity, Clean-Up Drive, and Assessment Activity at the Agusan River, Barangay Dahilayan area and the Lunocan River, Barangay San Miguel area on Earth Day, April 22, 2024.

April 22 in the Philippines is mandated by Proclamation No. 1481 as the Philippine’s Earth Day Celebration. Its goal is to further educate and raise awareness about the increased environmental degradation and destruction which has caused the decreased quality of life among many Filipinos. In relation, this year’s Earth Month theme is “Planet vs. Plastics,” a call for every mankind to commit the end of plastics “for the sake of human and planetary health."

Furthermore, the LGU of Manolo Fortich through the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) takes on a huge role to participate in such objectives through conducting the river trekking activity. Zyrin Repel of MENRO explained such initiative, “Kung mag labay-labay ta og basura, didto gyud na sila mopadulong sa mga rivers. Ma-drain baya tanan trash sa waters or sa mga rivers jud mismo, mura na siyag drainage. So, naka decide dayun mi na mag river clean up nalang ta.”

The 30 participants were divided into two groups. All came from the Mayor’s Office, Municipal Health Office, Municipal Engineering Office, Municipal Planning and Development Office, Municipal Agriculture Office, Local Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Office, and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office to take on the role in the activity which was also a survey to later on pinpoint possible solutions for both areas of the Agusan and Lunocan River

In total, the team focusing on the Agusan River were able to collect 4 sacks of trash, while the Lunocan River Team gathered around 8 sacks all of which consisted of textile trash and plastics. According to MENRO, more trash could have been accumulated if the clean-up drive activity pushed through to far-stretched areas of the rivers.

Moreover, results from the clean-up drive will aid the LGU of Manolo Fortich on what steps and action to take for the preservation and conservation of the rivers surrounding Manolo Fortich itself. Other than that, the results also play a huge reminder that water life must be protected as necessary. It's time to be accountable as Manoleños and be one in securing the natural resources not only in Manolo Fortich, but also in every place.