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EICOT seeks more volunteers for cleanup project’s last day
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Posted on Oct 10 2004
Sweating under the scorching heat of the sun, Coastal Resources Management Office deputy director Steve Tilley carried a black trash bag, while picking up garbage at the vicinity of the stormwater drainage in San Roque from morning to noontime yesterday.
Tilley joined volunteers from non-profit organizations affiliated with the Environmental Interagency Cleanup Operation Team, which is undertaking the cleanup of stormwater drainages and nearby beaches from Garapan to San Roque.
“These people are great,” Tilley said, referring to the volunteers. The deputy director joined the cleanup project for the first time yesterday, supposedly the last Sunday that EICOT needed to complete the project.
EICOT chairman Benny Pangelinan said the project would be extended for another Sunday, calling on more volunteers to participate in the culmination of the project.
“EICOT wants all Filipino groups, as well as other civic organizations, to join next Sunday’s cleanup,” Pangelinan said.
He said volunteers would be divided into two groups to restore the drainages in San Roque and at the American Memorial Park near the former Puerto Rico dumpsite.
Yesterday, some 70 volunteers from non-profit groups MOVER, KAMPIL and Bicol Association cut tree branches and vegetation that were blocking the drainage in San Roque.
They also fished out trash floating above the runoff on the waterways, preventing them from being discharged into the lagoon.
“These people are really working hard for the community. Without the help of the non-profit groups, the government will not be able to realize what we’re doing,” Pangelinan said.
Volunteers have spent 10 Sundays cleaning up stormwater drainages and nearby beach sites. Oil giant Exxon/Mobil mainly financed the project through a $5,000-grant.
EICOT and volunteers thanked donors providing them food and refreshments. Pangelinan said yesterday’s donors included Lt. Gov. Diego T. Benavente, House Rep. Arnold Palacios, the Coastal Resources Management Office, and Pacific Trading.
