Continuing the River Restoration Project, Mabalacat City College held a clean-up drive on 30 October 2024 at the Dolores River, known as Sapang Balen. This marked the fourth installment of the River Restoration Project collaboratively organized by MCC Institute of Arts and Sciences and the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO).
The activity brought together group of volunteers, including CENRO personnel, educators from the Institute of Arts and Sciences, and Teacher Education as well as BS-Biology students. Their collective effort was not only a testament to community spirit but also an essential step toward safeguarding the local environment.
During the clean-up, participants gathered a total of over 600 kilograms of waste from the riverbanks. The collected trash was categorized into biodegradable, non-biodegradable, and recyclable materials. The diversity of the waste collected highlighted the pressing issue of littering in natural waterways and underscores the urgency of environmental education and community engagement in conservation efforts.
MCC is dedicated in championing programs and services aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The river restoration project specifically addresses SDG 13, (Climate Action) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water), demonstrating the college's commitment to SDG projects.
The clean-up drive also served as an educational opportunity for the students involved, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge in real-world environmental restoration efforts. The success of the clean-up drive was not only measured by the amount of trash collected but also by the sense of camaraderie and shared responsibility fostered among the participants.
This clean-up drive exemplifies the role of educational institutions and local government agencies in fostering a culture of environmental stewardship. As the River Restoration Project continues, Mabalacat City College and its partners remain steadfast to enhancing community awareness and promoting sustainable practices that benefit both people and the planet.
