Abacan River ‘Blue Keepers’ to Join 2026 World Cleanup Day

Text by MINI ZAMORA-ARCEO | Photos by ERLIN M. DUE

The Abacan River “Blue Keepers” will join the observance of World Cleanup Day 2026 as part of their commitment to protect water resources and promote clean and safe water for communities.

Led by Balibago Waterworks and the Metro Angeles Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. (MACCII), at least 200 volunteers from partner organizations of the Abacan River Sustainable Cleanup Program are expected to participate in a cleanup along the river in Barangay Pampang on September 19.

MACCII President Elizabeth “Liza” Carlos-Timbol said the World Cleanup Day reminds us that protecting the environment is a shared responsibility.

“For MACCII, sustainability is part of responsible business leadership. For the past year, we partnered with Balibago Waterworks and community stakeholders through our ESG and Go Green initiatives, which include regular cleanup activities. We believe private sector like MACCII must do its share — not only for one day, but as part of our daily lives,” Carlos-Timbol said.

The Abacan River cleanup was signed up as part of the annual World Cleanup Day campaign, which mobilizes communities, organizations and individuals worldwide to address solid waste, marine litter and improper waste management.

The campaign theme for 2026 “From Clean Plates to Clean Cities” highlights the connection between responsible consumption, food waste reduction, clean communities and sustainable urban environments.

In a letter to Balibago Waterworks on September 4, Let’s Do It World President Heidi Solba congratulated the Abacan River program partners for their efforts in saving and protecting their water resources.

“Please pass on our heartfelt congratulations to your whole team for the Abacan River Sustainable Cleanup Program. Rallying your employees every third Saturday, month after month, and inspiring 2,000 volunteers from other private sector groups along the way, is truly beautiful work. It is exactly the spirit our global movement is built on, and we are honoured that you like to join us,” Solba said.

Let’s Do It World is the global civic organization that initiated the annual World Cleanup Day observed every September 20. The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) facilitates the observance in cooperation with Let’s Do It World.

This year, major World Cleanup Day events and dialogues are scheduled from September 19 to 21, with activities taking place in different parts of the world with Shaoxing, China serving as the central host city.

Volunteers from member-organizations participating in the Abacan River Sustainable Cleanup Program in Angeles City.

Collective action

Carlos-Timbol said World Cleanup Day is more than a one-day activity – it is a reminder that sustainability requires collective action and accountability.

“Private sector and community efforts can only go so far. The massive flooding experienced across Pampanga and many parts of Luzon should compel government to look closely at how public resources are being used. Funds allocated for flood control, drainage, waste management, environmental protection and climate resilience must be used properly, transparently and effectively,” she stressed.

Carlos-Timbol added that every peso from public funds should translate into projects that genuinely protect communities, businesses and livelihoods.

“We need properly implemented infrastructure that are sustainable and geared toward climate adaptation. Again, each of us have a role to play. Businesses must embrace responsible practices while citizens must help keep their surroundings and waterways clean,” Carlos-Timbol added.

She said volunteerism and community cleanups cannot replace effective public infrastructure and good governance. She said government has a duty to deliver, businesses have a responsibility to contribute, and citizens have a role to play.