By Kenneth Marcos 
Under the warm afternoon sun, residents of Barangay Manggahan gathered inside their community hall, listening closely as environmental officers explained how small daily habits can help protect the river flowing past their homes. For many, it was a reminder that the health of their surroundings depends on the actions of every household.
The DENR Metropolitan Environmental Office–East led the session, known as “Dalaw Turo,” to strengthen public participation in proper waste management and environmental protection. Barangay personnel, homeowners’ association members, and purok leaders attended the event, which focused on laws and issues that directly affect their community.
Environmental officers discussed key national laws, including the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, which requires segregation and responsible disposal, and the Philippine Clean Water Act, which protects rivers and waterways from pollution. The team also highlighted how climate change impacts local communities, from flooding to health risks.
River Protection Officer II Anizah Joy Galicia urged residents to follow waste segregation rules, reduce plastic use, and report illegal dumping along the Manggahan River and surrounding waterways. She explained that even small amounts of household waste, when improperly thrown, eventually end up in rivers and canals, causing blockages and worsening floods.
As part of the activity, the DENR also distributed calamansi seedlings to residents under the Community Pan-Tree Program of the DENR–NCR Conservation and Development Division. The program promotes tree planting in urban communities, encouraging families to care for fruit-bearing trees as a symbol of long-term commitment to the environment. Officials said the simple act of planting a tree can help improve air quality and reduce heat in densely populated areas.
The Dalaw Turo aims to deepen community understanding of waste management, clean water protection, and the importance of keeping the Manggahan Floodway free from trash. The floodway serves as a major water channel, carrying excess water from the eastern side of Metro Manila toward the Pasig River and Manila Bay. Keeping it clean helps reduce the risk of flooding in nearby communities, especially during the rainy season.
Participants were encouraged to share what they learned with their neighbors and help spread proper waste practices across the barangay. Officials said that when residents, leaders, and agencies work together, maintaining the cleanliness of major waterways becomes easier and more sustainable.
The DENR–MEO East reminded the public that protecting rivers is a shared responsibility. They encouraged communities to stay engaged in programs that promote clean surroundings, noting that the benefits of a healthy environment extend to future generations.
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