DILG set to cite LGUs for pushing PBBM’s KALINISAN program
LOCAL Government Secretary Benhur Abalos has encouraged the over 42,000 barangays in the country to keep their respective locality clean and they will be recognized and rewarded.
According to Abalos, a recognition system will be created to monitor, evaluate, and award the cleanest barangays across the land in line with the directive of President Marcos Jr. to incentivize local government units (LGUs) to maintain cleanliness in their areas.
The DILG chief on Saturday morning, led a nationwide simultaneous launching of the Kalinga at Inisyatiba para sa Malinis na Bayan or KALINISAN Project at the Baseco Compound in Bgy. 49, Manila where he announced the award system.
Barangays across the country also conducted respective clean-up drives from 7 to 11 a.m. making sure that their streets were litter-free, and canals and waterways were clean.
Public markets, schools, and public parks were also inspected and cleaned.
“Imo-monitor natin ang performance ng bawat barangay on a monthly basis. And quarterly, magkakaron tayo ng awarding. Tututukan talaga natin ito,” he said.
The KALINISAN Project is the DILG’s new convergence initiative to maintain and provide a healthy and safe environment and enable community participation anchored on the spirit of Bayanihan.
Highlighting the importance of cleanliness, Abalos urged local governments to invest in programs, projects, and activities on solid waste management and ecological practices.
“Sana hindi lang ngayong araw ito. Sana gawin natin ito araw-araw sa ating mga barangay, sa ating mga kabahayan. Gawin natin itong way of life. Dapat kahit saan tayo magpunta malinis,” the DILG chief emphasized.
He also called on local officials to pass ordinances in their areas imposing community service punishment to those who will be caught littering or throwing garbage in public places.
