Reinforcing the shared responsibility of protecting vital water resources and promoting environmental sustainability, the Ateneo de Zamboanga University Grade School (AdZU GS) Department faculty and staff participated in the river clean-up drive organized by the Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD) in celebration of its 52nd anniversary, in coordination with the Ateneo Center for Environment and Sustainability (ACES).
Carrying the theme, “Protecting Our Source, Preserving Our Future: 52 Years of Water Service and Conservation,” the activity was conducted on April 17, 2026, along Banuang, Sitio Canacutan, extending to the spillway near Climaco Park. The initiative gathered approximately 200 participants from various sectors, including government agencies, uniformed personnel, private organizations, and academic institutions.
Demonstrating their commitment to environmental stewardship and the Ignatian call to care for our common home, AdZU Grade School faculty and staff joined fellow volunteers in clearing debris and waste from the river. Guided by the ZCWD Environment and Water Resources Department, participants were assigned to designated stations to ensure an organized and effective clean-up operation.
Beyond environmental preservation, the activity underscored the importance of maintaining clean waterways as a proactive measure for disaster risk reduction and community resilience. Program organizers emphasized that keeping rivers free from waste contributes to flood prevention, ecological protection, and the long-term sustainability of surrounding communities.
Through the coordination of ACES, the participation of the community reflects its continued dedication to forming socially responsible individuals who act “for and with others.” The initiative also served as a concrete expression of the school’s mission to promote ecological awareness and collective action among its educators.
