A large-scale clean-up drive was launched on January 21, 2025, along the Pampang stretch of the Abacan River as part of an ongoing month-long initiative by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO). The event’s primary goal was to restore the river’s natural beauty while also raising environmental awareness among local residents.
The clean-up drive was spearheaded by local officials and barangay leaders, with Punong Barangay Carlos Dela Cruz of Pampang taking the lead. Volunteers, including members of the Barangay Pampang Council, street sweepers, and the Penro Estero Rangers, joined forces to collect solid waste along the riverbanks. Their collective efforts demonstrated a strong sense of community spirit and environmental responsibility.
To ensure proper waste disposal and avoid further pollution, the Barangay Pampang Council provided a garbage truck to handle the collected waste. This initiative reflects the community’s commitment to not only cleaning up the river but also ensuring that the waste is disposed of correctly, preventing it from being dumped back into the environment.
City Environment and Natural Resources Officer Jenifer S. Castro expressed her confidence that the community-driven effort would significantly improve the water quality of the Abacan River. She believes that by engaging local residents and officials, the initiative will inspire more people to take part in environmental conservation and develop a sense of responsibility for protecting natural resources.
This clean-up campaign is part of a broader environmental development plan envisioned by City Mayor Carmelo “Pogi” Lazatin Jr. The mayor has emphasized the importance of promoting safe, healthy communities and establishing Angeles City as the Leading Green City in Central Luzon. His vision focuses on sustainable environmental practices, including clean-up drives, waste management, and the protection of natural resources.
As the initiative progresses, it is expected that more barangays and local organizations will get involved, fostering collaboration across the city. The goal is not only to restore the physical environment but also to instill long-lasting habits of environmental care among residents.
The ongoing clean-up efforts along the Abacan River stand as a testament to the city’s commitment to environmental preservation and the importance of community-driven action in achieving a greener, more sustainable future for Angeles City.
Source: City Environment and Natural Resources Office – Angeles
