LINGAYEN, Pangasinan – A throng of Capitol employees, and volunteers from various national government agencies and organizations participated in the provincial government – organized coastal clean-up held recently at the stretch of the Lingayen beach.
An advance ‘coastal clean-up activity’ held in observance of the International Coastal Clean-Up day celebrated on September 16, said event led by Governor Amado I. Espino, III in the afternoon of September 15, coincides with the regular conduct of “weekly coastal clean-up drive” which seeks to keep the Lingayen beach clean and in order.
In his speech before the coastal clean-up, Governor Espino thanked Capitol employees and volunteers for heeding his call to help preserve the Lingayen beachfront by keeping it clean regularly.
“Let us work hand-in-hand to preserve and protect the Capitol beachfront which is frequently visited by local tourist and guests from other provinces,” Governor Espino said.
Along with provincial government offices and hospitals, participating provincial offices of national government agencies include: DENR, Bureau of Fire Protection, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, National Food Authority; and some non-government organizations.
Environment advocates – armed with their cleaning materials – made rounds at the Lingayen beach area to collect plastics and other garbages left by beachgoers. The team collected 150kgs of waste materials.
At the Capitol beachfront, the clean-up teams had a hard time looking for litters. “We have to extend the coverage of the clean-up activity beyond the Capitol beachfront where we were able to collect much of the garbage materials,” Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) Chief Nathaniel Pulido said.
Making the beach area safe from local tourists, Capitol security group members have been securing the area 24/7, as watchers in beach towers erected by the provincial government keep an eye to tourists while swimming.
A haven of beachgoers for bonding with families and friends, the Capitol beachfront – aside from having cottages or shed built at the Capitol beachfront which the public could use for free – visitors at the Capitol relish fun and excitement at the stretch of the Capitol baywalk for their leisure activities to include aerobic zumba exercise, biking and running.
“The regular conduct of a weekly coastal clean-up, which started under the administration of Governor ‘Pogi’ Espino prepares our coastline for the influx of a large number beach goers visiting the Capitol beachfront on weekends,” Pulido said.
Pulido, likewise, urged the public to maintain the cleanliness and orderliness of the cottages and the environs of the Capitol baywalk.
On September 11, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan led by Vice Governor Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr, urged Pangasinenses for a collective initiative to keep Lingayen beach area ‘clean and green.’
The creation of a special commission in-charge for the protection and cleanliness, as well as to assure security protocols and law enforcement in the beach area was also noted.
By Dexter A. See
