by: DENR Central Luzon
DILASAG, Aurora – In observance of World Wetlands Day, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Casiguran, led a coastal clean-up drive at Sitio Diapitan, Barangay Masagana, Dilasag, Aurora, underscoring the importance of protecting vital wetland and coastal ecosystems.
The activity gathered representatives from the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of Dilasag, Barangay Masagana, the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and members of the academe. Participants collected more than 230 kilograms of waste, consisting largely of residual garbage such as personal hygiene products, plastic bottles, cans, other containers, and abandoned fishing gear.
Ariel Mendoza, head of CENRO Casiguran, said the initiative aimed to raise environmental awareness, promote proper waste management, and encourage shared responsibility in safeguarding coastal and wetland areas.
DENR Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo emphasized the critical role of wetlands in sustaining both biodiversity and communities.
“Wetlands serve as habitats for diverse flora and fauna where life thrives and flourishes. The same ecosystems that sustain biodiversity also provide vital services to people, making their protection and preservation of utmost importance,” Pablo said.
He added that the clean-up drive showcased strong multi-sectoral collaboration and active community participation, demonstrating how local environmental initiatives contribute to the broader goals of World Wetlands Day—wetland conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable ecosystem management.
The DENR reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships and community engagement efforts to ensure the long-term protection of the country’s wetlands and coastal resources.