In celebration of World Wetlands Day 2026, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Masinloc organized a cleanup drive at Alindayat Lake in Barangay Yamot, Candelaria, Zambales.
Covering 63.53 hectares, Alindayat Lake is one of three wetlands in Candelaria and serves as a vital freshwater ecosystem supporting biodiversity and local livelihoods.
With the theme “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage,” the event gathered 69 participants from DENR Region 3, PENRO Zambales, MENRO Candelaria, the Philippine Army, Zambales Diversified Metals Corporation (ZDMC), Zambales Chromite Mining Company Inc. (ZCMCI), barangay officials, and community members.
Volunteers collected seven sacks of mixed waste, primarily single-use plastics such as candy wrappers, grocery bags, sachets, and beverage bottles.
All materials were properly disposed of through the local government’s materials recovery facility.
The activity also featured an environmental lecture and birdwatching session, where participants documented species including kingfishers, egrets, swallows, and raptors.
Regional Executive Director Ralph C. Pablo emphasized that Alindayat Lake is recognized under the DENR’s Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Management Program (CMEMP) for its critical role in fisheries, water regulation, and flood control.
