World Wetlands Day activity collects 2 tons of wastes from Sampaloc Lake

By Carlo P. Gonzaga March 14, 2020 About 200 volunteers participated in the clean-up activity initiated by DENR CALBARZON in the 3.7 cir...

By Carlo P. Gonzaga
March 14, 2020

About 200 volunteers participated in the clean-up activity initiated by DENR CALBARZON in the 3.7 circumference of Sampaloc Lake in line with the World Wetlands Day on February 28,2020. (Photo by DENR CALABARZO)

CALAMBA CITY, Laguna  –Two tons of wastes were collected from Sampaloc Lake as a result of the clean-up activity spearheaded by DENR CALABARZON on February 28, 2020 in line with the celebration of World Wetlands Day.

The wastes were gathered from the 3.7-kilometer circumference of the lake by about 200 volunteers from Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) CALABARZON regional office, PENRO Laguna, CENRO Sta. Cruz, Laguna Lake Development Authority, Polytrade, Special Action Forces, San Pablo LGU, and Barangays IV-A, IV-C, V-A, San Lucas I, and Concepcion that participated in the clean-up activity.

According to DENR CALABARZON, the city government of San Pablo has implemented various solid waste management initiatives including hiring of sweepers and Bantay Lawa that conducts regular clean-up activities in Sampaloc Lake to maintain the cleanliness within and around the lake.

Sampalok Lake, a tourism attraction, is the most famous lake among the 7 lakes in San Pablo City, the other lakes are: Yambo; Pandin; Palakpakin; Bunot; Calibato; and Mojicap.
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Sampaloc Lake is the most famous tourist attraction among the 7 lakes in San Pablo City. (Photo by DENR CALABARZON)

World Wetlands Day is celebrated annually on 2 February. With this year's theme "Wetland and Biodiversity," the celebration aims to raise global awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and planet. The Day also marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on 2 February 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea, according to worldwetlandsday.org.

In CALABARZON Region, aside from the 7 lakes in San Pablo, other notable wetlands in the Region are: Laguna Lake; Taal Lake; the four water storages of Lawa ng Tres Cruises, Caliraya Reservoir, Lumot Reservoir, and Wawa Dam; the Yellow Lake; and Lalaguna Marsh.

DENR CALABARZON initiated the clean-up activity through its Conservation and Development Division, Regional Public Affairs Office, PENRO Laguna, and CENRO Sta. Cruz in partnership with City Environment and Natural Resources Office San Pablo. (CPG with reports from DENR CALABARZON)