Secretary Abalos Encourages Cleanliness Habits in Children During KALINISAN Event
In an effort to promote cleanliness and community involvement, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos urged parents to instill the habit of cleanliness in their children from a young age. Speaking at the weekly KALINISAN (Kalinga at Inisyatiba para sa Malinis na Bayan) clean-up activity in Barangay Pacita 1, San Pedro, Laguna, Secretary Abalos emphasized the importance of beginning these practices at home.
“Cleanliness is an aspect that should start with the young. Let’s tell our children not to litter. Let’s make this a way of life,” he stated. He also highlighted the role of barangays and the collective effort needed to make a significant impact. “It starts in the barangay, with all of us. Let’s help each other, let’s make a difference. Let’s declare that in our time, we will clean up the New Philippines, which is what our President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. wants,” he added.
Secretary Abalos believes that “old values stick” and that the progress and cleanliness of the country depend on communities working together. He pointed out that significant improvements would only occur when good values and habits like cleanliness are practiced and originate from the homes of every Filipino.
He praised San Pedro Mayor Art Mercado for his commitment to ensuring that KALINISAN clean-up activities are conducted weekly in every barangay of the city. “I am pleased that you are doing this every week. Governance is the core of a good society. A capable leader is important because he encourages citizens to support his advocacy,” said Secretary Abalos.
Mayor Mercado also expressed his dedication to the cause, saying, “Together, let us roll up our sleeves and make San Pedro the cleanest, leading the way in Laguna.”
The KALINISAN initiative represents a concerted effort to foster a culture of cleanliness and civic responsibility, with the hope that these values will permeate throughout the nation, starting from the grassroots level.