ANGELES CITY, Pampanga — More than 200 environmental volunteers joined forces in Barangay Anunas on June 20, collecting at least 113 sacks of waste during the latest leg of the ABACAN Sustainable River Cleanup Program, a community-driven initiative aimed at restoring and protecting the Abacan River.
The cleanup activity brought together long-time environmental advocates and new volunteer groups, demonstrating the growing public commitment to safeguarding local waterways. Among the newest participants were volunteers from Hausland Holdings, Inc., Friends of Ed, and Philippine Scholars, who worked alongside the program’s pioneer partners.
Leading the effort were Balibago Waterworks and its partner organizations, including Guardians, Soliman EC, ARAW-ACI, KAAPKA, Philippine College of Criminology, MACCII, the 303rd Pampanga Community Defense Center, Angeles City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), and the Barangay Anunas Local Government Unit.
The initiative is part of the ABACAN Sustainable River Cleanup Program, which was launched on April 22, 2025, during Earth Day celebrations in Barangay Pulung Maragul, Angeles City. More than a year since its inception, the program continues to gain momentum as more organizations, businesses, and community groups answer the call to protect the environment.
Environmentalist Minerva Zamora -.Arceo said the program seeks to reduce river pollution, improve water quality, and encourage greater community participation in environmental stewardship. Through regular cleanup drives and volunteer mobilization, the initiative has become a model of how collective action can create lasting environmental impact.
The June 20 cleanup highlighted the power of collaboration, with volunteers working together to remove waste and prevent further pollution from reaching the river system.
Organizers urged the public to continue supporting environmental initiatives and recruit more volunteers, emphasizing that every sack of waste removed represents another step toward a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.
“The protection of our environment is not just a responsibility—it is a legacy we leave for future generations,” organizers said.