‘Naga Na! Linig Na!’ Campaign takes a Greener Leap

By Rex Garing

Naga City --- In an effort to combat plastic waste and promote environmental sustainability, the University of the Philippines Alumni Association - Camarines Sur Chapter (UPAA-CamSur) partnered with the Rotaract Club of Naga (RAC Naga), the City Government of Naga (LGU Naga), Solid Waste Management Office (SWMO) Naga, and Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) through a city-wide movement called “Naga Na! Linig Na!” (NNLN).

Leading the list of these initiatives are the policies of Naga City Mayor Nelson Legacion on the non-use of bottled water and styro-boxes in all fiesta events, and the cutting back of banderitas from procession routes. Also, prominent churches participating in the Marian celebration have been urging devotees to responsibly dispose of waste after each mass. The DepEd Naga Division has also instructed schools taking part in parades and processions to bring reusable water containers. The Naga City Guide and One Media TV48 Naga have played a vital role in disseminating this information.

UPAA-CamSur expressed their dedication to making the campaign a success. According to their President, Melissa Sieglinde E. Borromeo-Bulaong, the campaign seemed like a “daunting task” due to its changing behavior. “[But] we, in the UPAA CamSur, fostering teamwork with the various stakeholders, decided to proceed targeting plastic use reduction or generally, waste reduction, during the Peñafrancia fiesta,” she spoke openly. Some of the programs under this campaign are the Jingle and Video Making Contests in collaboration with Musika Publiko and Bicol Pop; installation of campaign tarpaulin along with the help of City Events, Protocol, and Information Office (CEPPIO); and promotional videos from Ms. Bicolandia candidates towards plastic use reduction.

The initial findings from SWMO indicate a 20% reduction in the amount of waste collected compared to the previous year. However, the accuracy of the plastic content within this initial data remains to be validated and confirmed. “Lest we forget the impressive support of the CEPPIO in promoting the advocacy through key social media platforms, plus the videos of the Ms. Bicolandia candidates and their contribution to plastic use reduction. We are also grateful to our youth organization partner, the RAC Naga, for spearheading the ongoing NNLN Jingle and Video Making Contests, and in the production of promotional tarpaulins set-up along the CBD 2 Brgy. Triangulo area,” she mentioned.

Rotaract Club of Naga, known for its commitment to community service, believes that this partnership will inspire others to join the cause. “We’re very glad that this collaboration with UPAA-CamSur, LGU Naga, SWMO and MNCCI on this campaign since it’s finally materialized. But it won’t stop there, we are still committed to promote this movement as we care for the environment,” said Rtr. Ronnie Z. Valenciano, Jr., the Hope-creating President of Rotaract Club of Naga. “Sustainability is a shared responsibility and we are pleased to be part of this significant initiative,” he added. The club looks forward to continued collaboration with its partners and the active participation of its residents in a leap towards greener and cleaner Naga City.