PAMPANGA - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Rotary Club of Southern Pampanga hauled more than 250 sacks of waste during a joint cleanup drive along the Sapang Balen River and roadsides in Barangay Calulut on August 23, 2026, marking a significant step in keeping the city's waterways free-flowing and reducing flood risks . The collected garbage included single-use plastics, packaging materials, bottles, styrofoam, old clothes, diapers, sanitary napkins, and yard waste like branches and grass, demonstrating the wide range of waste that pollutes the river system. Barangay Calulut, one of 35 barangays in San Fernando, is classified as an urban barangay with a population of over 42,000 residents as of 2020.
Flood Prevention Through Cleaner Waterways
DENR Pampanga Provincial Head Roger Encarnacion said the initiative aims to promote shared responsibility in protecting the province's rivers and to prevent clogged waterways that contribute to flooding . The cleanup comes as Pampanga continues to grapple with severe flooding, with over 311,000 families or around 1 million people affected across 380 barangays in 21 cities and municipalities, according to the Pampanga Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office . The SAPANG BALEN RIVER, which flows through Barangay Calulut, is a critical waterway that requires regular maintenance to prevent blockages that can lead to flooding in surrounding communities.
Promoting Compliance with Ecological Solid Waste Management Act
The DENR also reminded the public to practice proper waste segregation, recycling, and disposal in line with Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 . Under the law, waste generators are required to segregate their garbage into organic or biodegradable, recyclables, and residual waste such as diapers and sanitary pads . The cleanup aligns with the city's vision of becoming a model city in social development where citizens live in a healthy, safe, and sustainable environment . By supporting the river rangers—who serve as first-line defenders of the environment—the public plays a crucial role in preventing pollution and mitigating flood risks.
