
In response to the December 2024 flooding in Victorias City, Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez led 450 volunteers in a clean-up drive at Maagmang Creek on January 12, a press release from the city said.
The activity, aligned with the Department of Interior and Local Government’s Barangay Kalinisan Day (BarKaDa) program and the observance of Zero Waste Month, was spearheaded by the Victorias City Environment and Natural Resources Office (VCENRO).
Victorias City Environment Officer Lara Ann Garcia initially expected 300 volunteers, but the turnout exceeded projections, reflecting the strong community spirit among Victoriasanons.
A total of 1,077 kilograms of waste, equivalent to three truckloads, was collected and sorted from Maagmang Creek.
The waste collected were categorized into various types: 700 kilograms consisted of grass, twigs, bamboo, and other organic materials; 210 kilograms came from 30 pieces of scrap refrigerators; and 100 kilograms were residual waste.
Recyclables were also sorted, including 29 kilograms of soft plastics like mineral water bottles, 18 kilograms of hard plastics such as plastic basins and plastic spoons, 5 kilograms of steel, and 15 kilograms of assorted glass bottles.
Barangay XXI, identified as a flood-prone area, was chosen as the focus of the initiative due to the polluted state of Maagmang Creek, which possibly contributed to the recent flooding in the city.
Punong Barangay Edwin Ditching welcomed participants with opening remarks.
Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez also shared his message, thanking the participants and encouraging their continued support for community initiatives.
Volunteers were then briefed on safety guidelines, team assignments, and waste management procedures before the clean-up began.
The success of the BarKaDa implementation at Maagmang Creek demonstrates Victorias City’s commitment to fostering a disaster-resilient and environmentally conscious community.
Participating organizations included the PGBI, Site 2 Villa Victorias Homeowners’ Officers, PNRC, ALERT, National Auxiliary Chaplaincy Philippines, Inc. (NACPHIL), Victorias PNP, Victorias Milling Company, United Riders Club Philippines, BJMP, BFP, Barangay XXI Kagawads and workers, Alpha Kappa Rho, 605th Maneuver Company RMFB6, CDRRMO, Baskog Victorias, Barangay XXI OFW Association, Rotary Club, YES-O Club members from Negros Occidental National Science High School, members of the Muslim Community, and Bantay Katunggan.
The Philippine Army and reservists from the 79th Infantry Battalion, 605th CDC, 6RCDG, and SAFRG PHI, also actively contributed to the initiative, a statement from its Public Information Office said.
City Councilor Jose Maria Dino Acuña, City Administrator Atty. Lindolf De Castro, and Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer Rodolfo Retirado Jr. were present to support the event.*