Press Release
May 2, 2016

Hundreds join Baseco clean up

Hundreds of people joined environmental advocate Senator Cynthia Villar in cleaning the Baseco community in Manila in line with the Baseco Monthly Clean-up project.

The clean-up activity at Gasangan, Barangay 649, BASECO in Manila, is being spearheaded by the senator and Villar SIPAG (Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance) In partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources-National Capital Region, Metro Manila Developmenf Authority and residents of Bgy. 649.

The Nacionalista Party senator, regularly holds mangrove - planting activities and clean-ups at Baseco.

"I will never get tired of organizing and participating in mangrove - planting and coastal clean-ups as long as there are volunteers like our participants here today who stay committed to the cause of environment protection," stressed Villar, who has been known for her advocacy protecting the environment.

The theme of today's clean up is "Barangay and School Accountable for a Sustainable and Exceedingly Clean and Orderly Environment.

Prior to the clean up, VIllar delivered an inspirational message. DENR-NCR Director Lourdes Wagan and Virginia Bartolome also gave their messages on the importance of keeping our environment clean and healthy. .

"I share the belief that we should shift from the "throw-away" culture to the recycling and reusing mindset in order to minimize waste in the environment," said Villar.

In Las Pinas where she served as congresswoman for nine years, Villar said, they were able to convert wastes like coconut husks, waterlilies, kitchen and garden wastes and waste plastics that flood Zapote River into raw materials for livelihood enterprises of 500 families in the city.

Over the years, she extolled that this livelihood project had been replicated in over 700 cities and municipalities all over the country.

Villar's project of recycling plastic wastes into school chairs and kitchen wastes into organic fertilizers also helped the city save on garbage hauling expenses.

The senator also thanked Baseco residents for actively participating in the clean-up efforts, saying this is a manifestation of their willingness to rehabilitate Manila Bay.

She lauded their efforts to reinforce the defense by getting rid of the tons of garbage that contributed to floodings.

Since Baseco compound is located near the sea wall of Manila Bay, it is vulnerable to floodings and storm surges during typhoons.

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