Aboitiz firm, BARMM partner for waterways cleanup

FILE

COTABATO CITY — The Cotabato Light and Power Company (Cotabato Light) and the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MENRE-BARMM) have forged an agreement for a cleanup drive in waterways and coasts of the region in the next three years.

The two parties forged a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Wednesday in an act described by the power firm as “underscoring Cotabato Light’s commitment to environmental stewardship and preservation.”

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Arlene Valdez-Hepiga, Cotabato Light spokesperson, said the “Adopt an Estero” initiative seeks to engage local communities, private sectors, and government entities in regular cleanup drives and awareness campaigns to combat water pollution.

“Through this partnership with MENRE BARMM, we are not only cleaning up waterways but also empowering communities to take responsibility for our environment,” said Valentin Saludes, Cotabato Light president.

“This initiative is an integral part of Cotabato Light’s corporate social responsibility, in line with our mission to support sustainable and inclusive growth in the communities we serve,” he added.

Present during the MOA signing were AboitizPower Distribution Utilities senior vice president and Chief Operating Officer Anton Perdices, Valentin Saludes, MENRE BARMM Minister Akmad Brahim, Environment Management Services Director Jalani Pamalian and other officials from both organizations.

The “Adopt an Estero” and coastal cleanup drive will focus on several strategic locations identified by MENRE BARMM, prioritizing areas most affected by pollution and human activities.

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The drive also includes educational programs, capacity-building workshops, and sustained community involvement to ensure long-term impact.

Brahim echoed these sentiments, stating: “We are honored to collaborate with Cotabato Light in this mission to safeguard our water bodies. Together, we will make significant strides towards a cleaner and healthier environment for the Bangsamoro region.”

On Monday, Cotabato Light and the Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. have handed over nine commercial laptops and nine printers to the City Government of Cotabato as part of the government’s “PinasBilis Project.”

This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency of public service delivery, focusing on quick response, customer-centric operations, and streamlining the ease of doing business in the city, as outlined in Republic Act 11032, an act promoting ease of doing business and efficient delivery of government services.