The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Pampanga and the Rotary Club of Southern Pampanga hauled more than 250 sacks of waste during a joint cleanup drive along the Sapang Balen River and roadsides in Barangay Calulut.

DENR river rangers and Rotary members collected residual and recyclable waste, including single-use plastics, packaging materials, bottles, styrofoam, old clothes and other discarded items, as well as biodegradable waste such as grass, branches and kitchen waste.

DENR Pampanga Provincial Head Roger Encarnacion said the initiative aims to keep waterways free-flowing, reduce flood risks and promote shared responsibility in protecting the province’s rivers.

The DENR also reminded the public to practice proper waste segregation, recycling and disposal in line with Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.