ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, PRESERVATION | Matapat Troopers Participate in Coastal Clean-Up in Dumalinao, ZDS

To promote environment protection and preservation, the Philippine Army’s 53rd Infantry “Matapat” Battalion (53IB) participated in the Coastal Clean-Up activity in Barangay Pantad Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur on May 30 2021.

The activity with the theme: “Save the Seas: Raise Your Voice Not the Sea Level” was spearheaded by Dumalinao Mayor Junaflor Cerilles and participated by Matapat Troopers led by 53IB Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera and 53IB Charlie Company Commander 1Lt. Alvin Ibarra, together with Vice Mayor Wilfredo Malong Sr., ZDS Provincial Fishery Officer Mona Macabuat, Pantad Barangay Captain Efren Cajote, and Dumalinao Youth Organization volunteers.Mayor Cerillers said the purpose of the activities is to “inculcate in the minds of the youth and residents in coastal areas about the importance of maintaining a clean and green environment for future generations.”

“We need to maintain cleanliness in our coastal areas to take care of our environment,” Vice Mayor Malong Sr said.

“We are glad to see that Mayor Cerillers initiated this activity. Your soldiers are always willing and available to take part in coastal clean-up drive. It is very important to know what kinds of garbage we picked up and where this garbage came from,” Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera said.

The Matapat Trooper’s participation in Dumalinao’s coastal clean up activity is part of the 53IB’s drive to become a world class Army that is a source of national pride by 2028 in line with the Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR).