The Department of the Interior and Local Government, through the Office of the Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs (OUSBA), DILG-National Capital Region (DILG-NCR), and the National Barangay Operations Office (NBOO), conducted the KALINISAN (Kalinga at Inisyatiba para sa Malinis na Bayan) sa Bagong Pilipinas Clean-up Program in Valenzuela City at Northville II, Barangay Bignay Creek on February 3, 2024, Saturday.
Joining the DILG in this effort are the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), Northern Police District, Philippine National Police (PNP) Valenzuela, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Valenzuela, and the Department of Natural Resources-NCR (DENR-NCR).
DILG Officer-in-Charge, Undersecretary Atty. Lord Villanueva, and Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs Felicito Valmocina, reiterated the DILG’s continuing and resolute dedication to programs that benefit the environment at the barangay level. In his message of support, Usec. Villanueva explained that the KALINISAN initiative is a joint effort by the National Government Agencies (NGAs) to ensure the safety and cleanliness of grassroot communities.
“Ang KALINISAN program ay sama-samang inisyatiba ng mga iba’t ibang ahensya ng gobyerno para maging maayos at ligtas ang mga komunidad sa pamamagitan ng pagpapalakas ng kakayahan ng mga lokal na pamahalaan, lalo na ang mga barangay,” the Undersecretary stated. He further elaborated that the KALINISAN Drive is an integral part of the Bagong Pilipinas campaign, which kicked-off last January 28, 2024.
600 individuals took part in the clean-up, including citizens and barangay officials from all the 33 barangays of Valenzuela City, volunteers from different organizations, and representatives & personnel from national and regional government agencies. The Valenzuela City LGU also deployed the CENRO, Public Information Office, Liga ng mga Barangay (LnB), Community Service Unit, Governance Tour and Events Unity, and the Clean and Green, Solid Waste Management, and Flood Control units of the Public Sanitation Office. In addition, elected officials, street sweepers, and other volunteers willingly took part in cleaning the waterway. Organizations such as the Northville II HOA, Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terrorismo (KKDAT), Triskelion, Our Lady of Fatima University Interns, and the Police Hotline Movement Inc (PMHI) participated as well. Maynilad Water Services, Inc. extended its support for the activity as well. Partner agencies also mobilized their personnel, including the Estero Rangers of DENR-NCR. The NCRPO Band performed as the clean-up was carried out to motivate and entertain the volunteers.
Barangay Bignay Creek is a 400-meter to 500-meter waterway stretch, along the boundary of Valenzuela City and Meycauayan Bulacan. The clean-up yielded 195 sacks of mixed solid waste, which was then segregated, with an additional 10 sacks from the streets in the vicinity of the creek, including nearby alleys.
The Department will continue to encourage communities to maintain the cleanliness of their respective waterways under the KALINISAN sa Bagong Pilipinas program, counting on the shared commitment to uphold and honor the importance of a clean environment for everyone.