The Tarlac City Government spearheaded its monthly clean-up drive along Masalasa Creek and the NIA irrigation canal, two of the city’s primary waterways, in compliance with the Writ of Continuing Mandamus for Manila Bay.

Personnel from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), City Engineer’s Office (CEO), and barangay officials joined forces to remove accumulated waste and debris from the waterways.

Under the Supreme Court’s mandamus, concerned government agencies and local government units are directed to clean, rehabilitate, and maintain Manila Bay and all connected water systems.

The city government also reiterated its appeal to residents living near rivers, creeks, and irrigation canals to refrain from dumping garbage into waterways, practice proper waste segregation, and follow the scheduled garbage collection.

Officials emphasized that keeping waterways clean plays a crucial role in preventing flooding, especially during the rainy season.

(Photos courtesy of Joel Lagonilla, CENRO)