As part of strengthening grassroots efforts to keep communities clean and healthy, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said it has collected more than 38.86 million kg. of garbage from more than 26,000 barangays nationwide through the Kalinga at Inisyatiba para sa Malinis na Bayan or KALINISAN Program.
From January to May, an average of 26,644 barangays conducted weekly clean-up activities, collecting 38.86 million kg. of waste and cleaning more than 1.5 million public sites across the country.
In a statement on Thursday, the DILG said the sustained participation of communities is helping address improper waste disposal, one of the major causes of flooding, while encouraging discipline, shared responsibility, and environmental awareness at the local level.
Launched in 2024, the KALINISAN sa Bagong Pilipinas Program brings together barangay officials, residents, and civil society organizations (CSOs) to promote bayanihan through regular clean-up drives, proper waste management, and environmental stewardship.
“Ang KALINISAN ay magbubunga ng healthy na mga mamamayan at pag-asenso ng ating barangay (Cleanliness will produce healthy citizens and progress for our barangay),” a netizen shared.
The department also noted the continued participation of barangay officials and local communities, underscoring that maintaining a clean environment is a shared responsibility.
“This isn’t just about making our streets look good for visitors. It is about protecting our children from sickness and creating a safer environment for everyone,” a punong barangay (village chief) from Northern Samar said.
The DILG also urged coastal communities to practice proper waste segregation and disposal to prevent marine litter. Under DILG Memorandum Circular 2025-099, coastal local government units (LGUs) are encouraged to deploy trash traps, sea bins, and other autonomous floating devices to curb waste leakage into marine ecosystems.
The department reaffirmed that LGUs remain at the forefront of promoting environmental protection and civic participation in support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s push for better waste management and public health. (PNA)
