Dipolog City Joins "Clean Up The World"

DIPOLOG CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Sept. 30) – More than 600 Filipino volunteers from across Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Norte province took action to protect and improve the environment by participating in the simultaneous global environmental campaign, Clean Up the World.

The local environmental campaign, held recently, was spearheaded by Clean Up Dipolog, a network of local organizations which have gathered together to inspire the local community to clean up, fix up and conserve the environment, said Ernie Rojo, the group’s chairman.

Speaking on behalf of the local organizing group, Rojo expressed his appreciation for the extraordinary efforts of local volunteers. “The community understands the urgent need to protect our local and global environment. The achievements of volunteers have shown that the people of Dipolog City do care about the state of the environment.”

“Together we are addressing the problem of solid waste disposal. Volunteers contributed to our aim of inspiring our local communities to give their own share of maintaining the cleanliness of our place,” he said in a statement sent to the Mindanao Examiner on Sunday.

Opening the 3rd annual clean up event in the city was Dipolog Mayor Evelyn T. Uy who has committed her support to the noble initiative taken by young people by accepting the title of Honorary Clean Up Chairperson conferred to her by the local organization.

The event was part of one of the world’s most successful community-led global environment campaigns, Clean Up the World. The campaign involves an estimated 35 million volunteers in over 120 countries each year.

From Australia, Ian Kiernan, founder and chairman of Clean Up the World said, “Clean Up the World Weekend allows volunteers to witness first hand the impact of rubbish in the environment. From Australia to Dipolog City, together we are creating a healthier world for our children. I congratulate and thank the volunteers of Dipolog City for their outstanding efforts.”

For three years now, Clean Up the World activities in Dipolog City are organized through a network of organizations which include the Dipolog Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the local chapters of REACT, Boy Scouts of the Philippines, Junior Chamber International and Junior Jaycees, Rotaract and Red Cross Youth.

Volunteers who participated in this year’s campaign came from the St. Vincent’s College, Jose Rizal Memorial State College, DMC College Foundation, and Andres Bonifacio College. Local organizations APO Fraternity and Sorority, SVC-SSG, JPIA and LASS were likewise present to volunteer.

Future events planned by Clean Up Dipolog include a film showing to raise public awareness about Climate Change, the focus of this year’s global environmental campaign.

Clean Up the World originated in Sydney, Australia in 1993 and is held in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The campaign brings together community groups, schools, governments, businesses and individuals to undertake activities to improve water quality, clean up local streets, parks, waterways and forests and educate children about the environment.

Clean Up the World originated in Sydney, Australia in 1993 and is held in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The campaign brings together community groups, schools, governments, businesses and individuals to undertake activities to improve water quality, clean up local streets, parks, waterways and forests and educate children about the environment.