BY: JOSE ROBERT INVENTOR

The Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur led the 55th Earth Day celebration with a coastal clean-up activity in the coastal town of Santa Maria on April 22.

As early as morning, residents and provincial government employees gathered with sacks in hand, ready to pick up litter scattered across the shorelines of Barangays Suso, Nalvo, Lingsat, and Bia-o.

Among the waste collected were plastic wrappers, cardboard, and marine debris such as seagrass.

Edgar Yabes from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Management Office emphasized the continued commitment to environmental cleanliness in Ilocos Sur. “We will keep supporting efforts like these to maintain a livable environment in our province,” he said.

Barangay officials also actively participated in the event. Barangay Lingsat Captain Romeo Dasalla Jr. described the activity as a meaningful initiative by the Provincial Disaster and Information Services (PDIS). “This program is a great step in protecting our marine environment. We are thankful to be part of it,” he said.

All collected waste was later gathered for proper disposal.

This year’s Earth Day theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” aims to highlight community participation in environmental protection.

The provincial government encouraged residents to continue practicing environmental responsibility beyond Earth Day, starting with simple habits like proper waste disposal.