ILIGAN CITY (MindaNews/05 July)—A non-government organization in Lanao plans to mark its 6th anniversary with activities meant to raise the people’s environmental awareness.
Jalanie Pangalian, communication officer of Kapamagogopa Inc. (KI) said among the activities they have scheduled on July 17-21 are a run-for-a-cause and a cleanup drive.
Pangalian said the activities are intended to reflect KI’s achievements in improving Muslim-Christian relations, peace building work, health, natural resource management and other areas of development.
“For over five years KI has been successful in implementing its programs and activities and has gained recognition locally and nationally,” she said.
KI, a Muslim institution that sends volunteers to development agencies recently won the Banyan Tree Value Challenge Award during the Asian Forum for Corporate Social Responsibility.
Miriam Barandia, executive director of KI, explained that “the run for a cause on July 17 aims to bridge the gap between communities through volunteering and dialogue.”
She said it is a fundraising event targeting at least 200 participants with a P300 registration and t-shirt fee. The money from the registration will be used for the volunteers.
”On July 18, KI will mobilize a thousand advocates and residents for a cleanup drive in Barangay Tambacan in Iligan City and it will start at 7 am,” Barandia said.
She said they have chosen Tambacan owing to its “poor solid waste management affecting its drainage system and exacerbating floods during the rainy season.”
“Residents will also be mobilized to clean their yards following “tapat ko, linis ko” program,” she said.
KI hoped to involve environmentalists from non-government groups, government agencies and the academe in this activity, she said.
“We also hope to engender appreciation of the power to work together and for volunteering for community’s cleanliness and solid waste management,” she added.
KI conducted a cleanup drive in Barangay Mahayahay last year and another one in Marawi City last month.
The celebration will end with an exhibit of KI’s programs and volunteering activities as well as of locally made products from partners and businesses here. (Violeta M. Gloria/MindaNews)
