The DILG Tarlac conducted its monthly Manila Bay clean-up drive for the month of June in coordination with the City Government of Tarlac. Partner agencies such as the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Department of the Public Works and Highways also supported the activity. The activity started early at 6:00 A.M. with a program hosted by the Tarlac City Information Office.
City Administrator Atty. Godofredo Sabado, Jr. welcomed the participants on behalf of City Mayor Hon. Gelacio "Ace" Manalang and reminded all present of their social responsibility to safeguard the city environment as they are directly affected by the negative changes brought about by indiscriminate throwing of garbage in water systems. LGOO VI Danilo Rillera, the City Local Government Operations Officer of Tarlac City, acknowledged every participating agency and thanked them for lending their time and effort in the activity.
The Manila Bay Clean-up activity is part of the program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government in compliance to the Supreme Court Ruling mandating the cleaning of the Manila Bay Watershed. It aims not only to clean the water systems connected to the Manila Bay but most importantly to serve as a reminder to the people of the importance of maintaining the cleanliness of our rivers for the future generation.
Participants, equipped with their brooms and bolos, swept the periphery of the Masalasa Creek to rid the place of garbage specifically those which are made of plastics and other non-biodegradable materials. The heaps of garbage picked were then collected by the City Government of Tarlac for proper disposal.
