A multi-sectoral activity that aims to raise awareness in keeping the environment clean, especially the responsible use of public areas inside the Clark Freeport Zone was launched on Thursday.

Dubbed as “Keep Clark Clean Drive,” the project is an initiative of the Greater Clark Visitors Bureau (GCVB) that also aims to promote and enforce the “Clean As You Go” culture among park visitors inside Clark.

GCVB president Joy Cruz said outdoor spaces give the people respite from being confined to their homes.

“Sad to say, many do not know how to take care of these places. Many have left their trash in our open spaces,” she said in her social media account post.

Cruz joined the volunteers of the “Keep Clark Clean” drive during the program’s kick-off at the Clark Freeport Picnic Grounds.

The project was also supported by the Mabalacat City government, the Philippine Air Force (PAF), Clark Development Corporation (CDC) Tourism and Environmental Office, Philippine National Police (PNP), Clark Investors and Locators Association (CILA), Boysen, CleanX, North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), and the Subic-Clak-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) as well as stakeholders from the arts sector and cycling groups.

Mabalacat Mayor Crisostomo Garbo expressed his full support to the program as he urged park-goers inside and outside the Clark Freeport Zone to observe proper disposal of wastes when visiting public parks and open spaces.

“Our utilization of public spaces comes with the responsibility of keeping it clean and tidy. It is our duty to take good care of our surroundings and make these areas prepared for everybody’s use,” Garbo said in a statement.

The use of public spaces for recreation such as Clark Freeport Picnic Grounds has become popular amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

However, photos of filthy areas inside Clark went viral on social media due to irresponsible use of open grounds inside the freeport.

“This triggered alarm to us for such an act towards our environment is never acceptable,” said Garbo who is also the co-chairman of the Metro Clark Advisory Council (MCAC).

Aside from the clean-up drive, the event also includes a painting activity of repurposed tin drums which will be distributed and situated in public areas inside the freeport. (PNA)