Litter strewn all over Plaza Independencia

CEBU, Philippines — Tons of garbage was left by PDP-Laban supporters at the Plaza Independencia after the proclamation rally of the administration senatorial candidates yesterday.

Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CCENRO) head Nida Cabrera said, this happened in spite of the several garbage bins in place. Empty plastic bottles, disposable food packs, and campaign materials were scattered everywhere at the event venue.

Cabrera said the city government was not able to deploy Barangay Environmental Officers (BEOs) to help maintain cleanliness because there was no request from the Parks and Playground Commission, which maintains Plaza Independencia.

"Wala ma'y request kay Sunday (yesterday) man ron. Wala sila'y duty (BEOs), wa man mo pahibalo ang Parks and Playgrounds nga naa'y activities diha," she told The FREEMAN.

She said the deployment of BEOs would have helped in the cleanliness at the event area since they are authorized to apprehend violators of the anti-littering ordinance. The event host kept on reminding the public to dispose of their garbage properly but still a lot of supporters left their trash on the ground.

"Maguol atong President ana...I hope part na sa ilang plano (cleanliness) diha kay requirements mana kon mogamit ta sa Plaza," Cabrera said.

Department of Public Services officer-in-charge John Paul Gelasque said at least 10 street cleaners were tasked to clean the area after the rally. (FREEMAN)