By Nestle G. Taala

CPU joined the Adopt-an-Estero Water Body Program Orchestrated Cleanup last June 22 2019.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Environmental Management Bureau orchestrated a clean-up drive called, Adopt-An-Estero or Water Body Program which is a “collaborative undertaking between and among communities along esteros or creeks and rivers, concerned local government units, private sector and the DENR to achieve a cleaner, safer and healthier environment.”

In line with this, Central Philippine University Republic, CPUR local government units, various CPU student organizations, and Centralian volunteers participated on June 22 at Dungon A and B (Dungon Creek), Jaro, Iloilo City. The CPUR dubbed the activity as “CPUR Environment Celebration Day.” The groups gathered and assembled at 5:30 A.M. in the CPU Big Field before their deployment to the venue.

Mr. Prim Vergara III, CPU’s Safety Officer and Chairperson of the CPU Sustainable Campus Committee, gave a briefing before the students dispersed in the clean-up drive.

CPU students helped in the clean-up of Dungon Creek, Jaro, Iloilo City.

Aside from the fact that the activity promotes environmental awareness, CPUR President, Riego Ferrer Garcia, saw the activity as an opportunity to create networks that would be beneficial to the upcoming projects of CPUR. “Building linkages with government agencies and [creating] an avenue to collaborate with school organizations is one way of helping and extending support to maintain cleanliness within the area (Dungon Creek) and to sustain its biodiversity,” Mr. Garcia shared.

Members of CPU Search and Rescue Team, CPU Red Cross Youth Medical Team and CPU Sustainable Campus Committee were also present during the activity to ensure and monitor the safety of the students in the whole course of the Adopt-An-Estero/Water Body Program.