Ang Pahayagan

ZAMBALES — In celebration of World Wetlands Day 2026, the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of Masinloc spearheaded a cleanup drive at Alindayat Lake in Barangay Yamot, Candelaria, Zambales.

Spanning 63.53 hectares, Alindayat Lake is one of three wetlands in the Municipality of Candelaria and serves as a vital freshwater ecosystem that supports biodiversity and sustains local livelihoods.

With this year’s theme, “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage,” the activity brought together 69 participants from the DENR Region III, PENRO Zambales, MENRO Candelaria, the Philippine Army, Zambales Diversified Metals Corporation (ZDMC), Zambales Chromite Mining Company Inc. (ZCMCI), barangay officials, and members of the local community.

Volunteers collected seven sacks of mixed waste, consisting primarily of single-use plastics such as candy wrappers, grocery bags, sachets, and beverage bottles. All collected materials were properly segregated and transported to the local government unit’s Materials Recovery Facility for appropriate disposal.

The event also featured an environmental lecture highlighting the importance of wetland conservation and a birdwatching session, during which participants documented various bird species including kingfishers, egrets, swallows, and raptors.

Regional Executive Director Ralph C. Pablo underscored the ecological significance of Alindayat Lake, noting that it is recognized under the DENR’s Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Management Program (CMEMP) for its critical role in supporting fisheries, regulating water flow, and mitigating floods.

The cleanup drive reaffirms DENR’s commitment to protecting and preserving wetlands through collaborative action, community engagement, and the integration of traditional knowledge in environmental stewardship. (PR)