Driven by the urge to be of service as they approach the end of their academic journey, 68 graduating students of Batch 2024 collectively gathered for the commencement of the clean-up drive from Supt. A. Maceda Avenue to the College of Fisheries - Freshwater Aquaculture Center (CF-FAC), Central Luzon State University at 6:00 am on June 11, 2024.
With their collaborative endeavor, countless trash items composed of plastics, cans, and bottles were collected from the roadside, ridding the area of blemishes caused by inorganic materials. They also cleared the vines overrunning the fence, increasing the total number of trash bags to around 30 sacks.
Following the clean-up drive, the general cleaning of CF-FAC facilities, including laboratories, classrooms, the conference room, the reading center, and Abella Hall, continued until 9:30 am where dust and debris were diligently cleaned while chairs and reagents were arranged.
These activities were led by undergraduate and graduate students as part of their culminating activities for graduation. This coordinated effort reflects their gratitude for the nurturing and supportive environment they experienced during their study. Moreover, it also served both as preparation and an inspiring example for the next batch of students who will spend their years at the college.
The clean-up drive also coincided with the celebration of Philippine Environment Month this June with an aim to raise awareness and encourage actions towards the protection, enhancement and development of our environment which can be incorporated in our daily life by simply following proper waste management practices.
Although prompted by the upcoming graduation ceremony, such activities would have been unnecessary if every passerby or student was aware of their responsibilities and had enough sensitivity to care for and maintain the cleanliness of their surroundings. As members of a college committed to promoting sustainable development (SDG 14: Life Below Water), it is essential that environmental stewardship becomes part of our advocacy, whether as students or professionals.
