LAMITAN CITY, Basilan — The Provincial Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy Office (PENREO) of Basilan conducted a coastal clean-up drive headed by PENR Officer Marietta R. Ladjiman on January 25, 2024, in line with the celebration of the 5th Bangsamoro Foundation Day.

The cleanup drive was held at Barangay Tumakid, Lamitan City, Basilan. It aimed to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the marine environment and preventing ocean pollution.

Further, the activity was participated by PENRE personnel, DENREO-A, Maluso headed by CENRE Officer Maria Pilar N. Tawasil, and DENREO-B, Lamitan City led by CENRE Officer Ronnie A. Hantian, Barangay officials led by Barangay Chairman Bhenhar Albani , and the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK). They collected and segregated different types of trash along the shoreline, such as plastic bottles, wrappers, fishing nets, and styrofoam.

Moreover, according to PENR Officer Ladjiman, the coastal cleanup drive was part of the provincial’s efforts for environmental protection. She also said that the activity was a way of showing solidarity with the Bangsamoro people.

Aside from the coastal cleanup drive, the PENREO Basilan will also conduct tree growing activity simultaneously for both DENREO-A, Maluso personnel at Upper Manggas, Lantawan and DENREO-B, Lamitan personnel at Look, Lamitan City, Basilan Province in collaboration with the PNP- Basilan on January 26, 2024.