In celebration of World Wetlands Day 2024 with the theme “Wetlands and Human Wellbeing”, PENRO Laguna, through its Conservation and Development Section and in partnership with the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (City ENRO) of Calamba City, successfully conducted a clean-up activity along San Juan River, Brgy. San Juan, Calamba City on February 2, 2024.

 

The said clean-up activity was participated in by a total of 45 individuals composed of representatives from Calamba City ENRO, local residents of Barangay San Juan, and selected personnel of PENRO Laguna. According to Senior Ecosystem Management Services Marina F. Agnes from the City ENRO - Calamba, approximately 150 sacks weighing around 1,500 kilograms of wastes were collected, mostly residual and non-biodegradable. Information materials regarding wetlands conservation were likewise distributed to the local residents residing near the San Juan River.

 

World Wetlands Day is celebrated on February 2 of each year to raise awareness about wetlands and its critical importance. February 2 also marks the anniversary of the Convention on Wetlands held in Ramsar City, Iran which was adopted as an international treaty in 1971. This year’s theme spotlights how interconnected wetlands and human life are – with people drawing sustenance and resilience from these productive ecosystems. More importantly, it underscores how all aspects of human wellbeing are tied to the health of the world’s wetlands.

 

San Juan River is one of the 12 major rivers in the province of Laguna that is being maintained and protected under the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program. It is one of the rivers largely contributing to Laguna Lake with boundaries traversing provinces of Laguna and Batangas with a total catchment area of 19,590 hectares and 12,617 hectares, respectively.###