In observance of World Wetlands Day, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Casiguran, led a coastal clean-up drive at Sitio Diapitan, Barangay Masagana, Dilasag, Aurora, reinforcing community action to protect vital wetland and coastal ecosystems.
Representatives from the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office of Dilasag, Barangay Masagana, Philippine National Police, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the academe collected over 230 kilograms, largely consisting of residual garbage, personal hygiene products, plastic bottles, cans, other containers, abandoned fishing gears.
Ariel Mendoza, head of CENRO Casiguran, said the initiative sought to raise environmental awareness, promote proper waste management, and encourage shared responsibility in safeguarding coastal and wetland ecosystems.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo emphasized that wetlands are essential not only for biodiversity but also for surrounding communities.
“Wetlands serve as habitats for diverse flora and fauna where life thrives and flourishes.
The same ecosystems that sustain biodiversity also provide vital services to people, making their protection and preservation of utmost importance,” Pablo remarked.
Pablo noted that the activity demonstrated strong multi-sectoral collaboration and community participation, highlighting how localized environmental actions contribute to the broader goals of World Wetlands Day, which include wetland conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable ecosystem management.
