Photo By: DENR
BALANGA CITY, Bataan — The success of environmental rehabilitation efforts depends not only on government programs but also on the active participation of local communities, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna emphasized during his visit to Disiplina Park in Balanga City on Wednesday.
Speaking before local officials, students, and residents, Secretary Cuna underscored the vital role of communities in protecting waterways and sustaining environmental gains achieved through rehabilitation projects.
“Kung ang pamahalaan lang po ang gagawa ng mga hakbang para protektahan ang ating kapaligiran at maglinis, ay hindi po namin magagawa. Kaya nagpapasalamat kami sa barangay at sa buong komunidad na nakikiisa sa pangangalaga ng kalikasan,” Cuna said.
Photo By: DENR
The DENR chief visited the 290-meter Disiplina Park along the Talisay River, a former river easement that has been transformed into a green public space through DENR-supported recovery and rehabilitation efforts.
The project forms part of the ongoing Manila Bay rehabilitation initiative and serves as a model of how government agencies and local communities can work together to restore degraded waterways while creating safe and accessible public spaces.
Joining Secretary Cuna were Bataan Governor Joet Garcia, community leaders, students, and DENR personnel. The activity included tree planting, the distribution of environmental education tokens to students, and interactions with local entrepreneurs showcasing community products within the park.
DENR officials noted that the transformation of the Talisay River easement reflects the positive impact of grassroots participation in environmental programs. Beyond restoring the riverbank, the project has encouraged environmental stewardship, strengthened community engagement, and created opportunities for local economic activity.
As environmental challenges continue to affect communities nationwide, the DENR is urging more citizens, organizations, and local governments to take an active role in protecting rivers, waterways, and public spaces.
The Disiplina Park project demonstrates that when communities and government work together, environmental protection can lead to cleaner waterways, stronger civic engagement, and a better quality of life for residents. (DENR)