21 November 2025

Benguet State University represented by BS in Environmental Science, BS in Criminology, and BS in Forestry students; Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Unit; and the General Services Office joined the fourth quarter Balili River Clean-Up Activity in celebration of the National Environment Awareness Month.

The clean-up activity is one of the organized efforts participated by majority of the stakeholders and volunteers of LGU La Trinidad. The activity aims to improve water quality, protect ecosystems and raise awareness on proper waste management and the importance of keeping waterways, such as the Balili River, clean. This effort also supports #SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), #SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), #SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), #SDG 13 (Climate Action) and #SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

Mayor Roderick C. Awingan supervised the event and expressed his gratitude to everyone who joined the activity. He underscored the cultural value of “Binnadang,” a spirit of collective responsibility and mutual support that guides the community’s commitment to protecting natural resources. He also emphasized the importance of the clean-up in safeguarding not only the Balili River, but the entire watershed system, from ridge to reef. He encouraged the youth and partner groups to continue leading by example in environmental stewardship.

This endeavor was facilitated by the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO). The program opened with an orientation from For. Arthur A. Pedro, LT MENR Officer who emphasized safety protocols and explained how the initiative supports the municipality’s long-term environmental goals. His reminders helped set the tone for a purposeful and well-coordinated clean-up. The assembly in the gym with around 300 participants were given their assigned clean-up zones per organization. Each group proceeded to their designated sites and filled the sacks provided. At the Central Balili Bridge alone, volunteers collected an estimated 13 sacks of solid waste. Commonly encountered waste materials included textiles, plastic packaging, and plastic bottles—a recurring waste stream in previous clean-up activities. Some special waste items, such as electrical wires and batteries, were also recovered on-site.

The event concluded with volunteers reaffirming their dedication to sustaining these efforts. The clean-up not only contributed to immediate waste reduction but also strengthened the shared commitment to protecting La Trinidad’s waterways for future generations.// Ritz Cabangen and Macgy Manuel

#EnvironmentAwarenessMonth #BaliliRiverCleanup #Binnadang #LaTrinidad #CommunityAction #CleanAndGreen #Sustainability #ProtectOurRivers #EnvironmentalStewardship