The community of Puerto Princesa came together once again for the third installment of the “Save the Puerto Princesa Bays” initiative. The event, held at the Quito Area (Cruise Port) in Barangay Pagkakaisa on Saturday, August 26, saw a resounding show of support.
Punong Barangay Romy Remojo of Barangay Pagkakaisa delivered an emotional welcome message, expressing gratitude for the activity that significantly contributed to improving their community by addressing waste-related issues.
“Thank you so much, Mayor, that’s all I can say right now. Because I know that we cannot handle the accumulated waste on our own,” Remojo shared.
City ENRO Chief Atty. Carlo Gomez reminded everyone of their vital role in safeguarding the marine resources, especially the heart of the city – Puerto Princesa Bay. He emphasized, “We are not just cleaning our bays; we are revitalizing the heart of the city bay.”
Meanwhile, two barangay leaders from Mandaragat and Bagong Silang shared the continued discipline instilled among their constituents due to the first and second episodes of the “Save the Bays” initiative. They also discussed the strategies they’re implementing to preserve the shoreline, which has been affected by human settlements.
Dr. Carlo Reyes Jr., Founding President of the Palawan Geographic Society, Inc.; Dr. Ramon Docto, President of Palawan State University (represented by Dr. Carlos Alfonso Salvador, PSU Vice President for Student Affairs and Services); and Vice Admiral Alberto B. Carlos PN, Commander of Western Command (represented by Col. Gerald Naldoza PAF, Chief of United Command Staff) also conveyed their messages of support.
These institutions are keen on collaborating with Mayor Bayron to successfully restore the city’s bays.
Bayron stressed the importance of unity in achieving the goal of cleaning and preserving the ocean, while also taking care of the coastal dwellers.
“Thank you for your participation. First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude for the overwhelming presence in the third episode of Save the Bays of Puerto Princesa. We are inspired to continue because we’ve witnessed the warm support from various cross-sections of the Puerto Princesa community. We truly unite, and this job cannot be accomplished if only the city government takes action,” Bayron said.
Based on data from the Oplan Linis Program and the Solid Waste Management Program during the Scoop Basura event, 4,134 kilograms of trash were collected in Mandaragat, while 53.1 tons (equivalent to 48,210 kilograms) were gathered in Barangay Bagong Silang. Additionally, 59.2 tons (around 53,740 kilograms) of waste were collected in Barangay Pagkakaisa. Countless trash bins were also filled by volunteers during the coastal cleanup.
Residents are invited to join the fourth episode of “Save the Puerto Princesa Bays” on September 9, which will take place in Barangay Bagong Sikat, featuring special guests participating in the event.