ILOILO – The Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) is urging attendees of the Dinagyang Festival to adhere to the Clean As You Go (CLAY GO) principle to maintain cleanliness at the festival venues.
This practice is particularly emphasized around the second Dinagyang judging area, which encompasses the Iloilo provincial capitol and grounds, Casa Real de Iloilo, and the vicinity of the Iloilo River.
The PGENRO expects thousands of spectators to gather on Jan. 27 and 28 for the Kasadyahan sa Kabanwahanan and the ati-ati tribes competition.
Mitzi Peñaflorida, a senior environmental management specialist at PGENRO, said that as part of the Solid Waste Management (SWM) Program, reminders will be broadcast in the second judging area before, during breaks, and after events, urging guests and viewers to manage their waste responsibly.
The essential reminders include:
* Observing CLAY GO for waste management.
* Disposing of waste properly.
* Following the 4Bs strategies for plastic waste, which involve using designated bins (Basurahan), empty PET bottles (Botelya), pockets (Bulsa), and bags (Bag) for disposal.
* Designating disposal points for pet bottles (Tapon to Ipon Bin) and other wastes like glass bottles, cans, and food containers.
* Prohibiting the spitting of fluids and chewing gums.
* Enforcing a strict no-littering policy in public places, streets, and food stalls.
Violators caught littering or throwing garbage around the capitol grounds will face a fine of P1,000. While Peñaflorida would have preferred the campaign to cover all four judging areas, she acknowledges the efforts of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in promoting similar policies within their jurisdiction.
The campaign by PGENRO aligns with the celebration of Zero Waste Month./PN
