BARMM, power firm partner for 'estero,' coastal clean-up drive

By Edwin Fernandez

September 11, 2024, 4:15 pm

<p><strong>ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION. </strong>BARMM Environment Minister Akmad Brahim (2nd from left) and Cotabato Light president and COO Valentin Saludes III (3rd from left) shake hands after signing a memorandum of agreement for a three-year environmental clean-up initiative in Cotabato City on Wednesday (Sept. 11, 2024). The partnership focuses on pollution-affected areas in the Bangsamoro region. <em>(Photo courtesy of MENRE-BARMM)</em></p>

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION. BARMM Environment Minister Akmad Brahim (2nd from left) and Cotabato Light president and COO Valentin Saludes III (3rd from left) shake hands after signing a memorandum of agreement for a three-year environmental clean-up initiative in Cotabato City on Wednesday (Sept. 11, 2024). The partnership focuses on pollution-affected areas in the Bangsamoro region. (Photo courtesy of MENRE-BARMM)

COTABATO CITY – The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MENRE-BARMM) partnered with Cotabato Light and Power Company (Cotabato Light) to launch environmental preservation initiatives, including the "Adopt an Estero" and coastal clean-up programs.

On Wednesday, both parties signed a three-year memorandum of agreement (MOA) aimed at promoting sustainability and restoring water bodies affected by pollution and human activities.

AboitizPower Distribution Utilities senior vice president and chief operating officer Anton Perdices, Cotabato Light president and COO Valentin Saludes III, and MENRE-BARMM Minister Akmad Brahim were among the officials present.

Saludes emphasized Cotabato Light’s commitment to environmental responsibility through its corporate social initiatives.

"This partnership not only focuses on cleaning up waterways but also on empowering communities to take responsibility for our environment," he said.

The clean-up drive will target strategic locations identified by MENRE-BARMM, with a focus on heavily polluted areas. It also includes educational programs and community involvement to ensure long-term environmental protection.

"We are honored to collaborate with Cotabato Light in this mission to safeguard our water bodies," Brahim said, underscoring the joint efforts toward a cleaner environment for the Bangsamoro region.

Earlier this week, Cotabato Light and the Aboitiz Foundation Inc. donated laptops and printers to the city government under the "PinasBilis Project" to improve public service delivery. (PNA)

 

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