AGOO, La Union - In celebration of the Philippine Environment Month 2021 this June and the 34^th Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Anniversary – Region I spearheaded a simultaneous coastal clean-up on the ten-kilometer stretch along the shorelines of Agoo-Damortis Protected Landscape and Seascape (ADPLS), particularly at barangays Sta. Rita Central, Sta. Rita West, Sta. Rita Sur, San Julian Norte, San Julian West, and Balawarte in Agoo, La Union on June 10, 2021.

A short program was first held at Brgy. Sta. Rita Central which was attended by DENR I key officials headed by Regional Executive Director Atty. Crizaldy M. Barcelo, barangay chairpersons of the six barangays and selected DENR-I personnel. With this year’s Philippine Environment Month 2021 theme, “Sama-samang Pagkilos, Sama-samang Paghilom. Ikaw, Ako, Tayo ang Kalikasan.”, RED Barcelo encouraged everyone to do join hands in the protection and conservation of our natural resources for a greener and safer environment.

Among the participants and volunteers in the said activity were selected employees of DENR-I, Environmental Management Bureau-I, Mines and Geosciences Bureau -I, PENRO La Union, barangay councils and communities of the said barangays. Majority of the total waste collected were items such as food wrappers (candy, chips, sachets), cigarette butts, facemasks, beverage bottles and cups (plastic)and other waste like straws and cigarette packaging.

The coastal clean-up was also graced by EMB-I Regional Director Mar. Dorica Naz-Hipe, Assistant Regional Director for Management Services Leduina S. Co, and Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services For. Felix Taguba. Barangay councils and volunteers from the communities received token of appreciation like IEC materials, face shields, tumblers and eco bags from DENR, EMB and MGB. (MSA)