PALO, LEYTE — Honoring historic eco-tourism landmarks while promoting environmental stewardship, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Regional Office VIII (DENR-8) spearheaded a multi-agency coastal and park clean-up at the MacArthur Landing Memorial National Park in Palo, Leyte.
The environmental drive was organized in celebration of the 37th National Statistics Month (NSM), bringing together volunteer contingents from regional line agencies, local government units, and private sector stakeholders.
Linking Data-Driven Action To Sustainable Tourism
Anchored on this year's official NSM national theme, “Tuklas Pilipinas: Statistics as Beacon Towards Inclusive, Resilient, and Sustainable Tourism,” the activity highlighted how data analytics and environmental protection intersect to preserve high-traffic tourist destinations.
During the event, representatives from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) underscored the correlation between waste generation datasets, eco-system health, and tourism revenues, emphasizing that responsible waste management is vital to maintaining visitor arrival numbers and safeguarding local livelihoods.
Mobilizing Civic Action Across Historical Sites
DENR-8 Regional Executive Director Arturo Salazar commended the volunteer groups for their active participation in keeping Leyte's heritage sites pristine:
Environmental Action: Collection and proper segregation of plastic waste, solid refuse, and washed-up organic debris around the park grounds and shoreline.
Inter-Agency Support: Active participation from PSA Region 8, local municipal leaders, community youth organizations, and eco-volunteers.
Promoting Civic Responsibility: Encouraging visiting tourists, local vendors, and nearby residents to practice proper waste disposal habits.
Director Salazar expressed confidence that such collaborative efforts will inspire broader community-led initiatives across Leyte, ensuring that Eastern Visayas remains a clean, resilient, and welcoming destination for local and international visitors.
