KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — A massive and well-coordinated waste management effort led by the Provincial Government of South Cotabato, in partnership with the City Government of Koronadal, ensured that the 27th T’nalak Festival and the province’s 60th Foundation Anniversary remained clean, orderly, and environmentally friendly throughout the celebration.
Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Siegfred Flaviano emphasized that maintaining the cleanliness of the festival was the result of the tireless efforts of personnel who worked behind the scenes.
“Everyone sees the festival highlights and the dancing. But behind every beautiful picture taken is a clean background made possible by the hardworking men and women on the ground. While the province celebrates, these dedicated individuals work around the clock to ensure the fun does not come at the cost of our environment. A massive salute to the true heroes keeping our festivities clean, green, and beautiful,” Flaviano said.
Flaviano disclosed that from July 6 to 19, an estimated 35 tons of mixed waste were collected from festival venues and surrounding areas as thousands of residents and visitors participated in the province’s biggest annual celebration.
The waste management operation reflects Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr.’s continuing commitment to people-centered governance by ensuring that public celebrations are supported by efficient environmental services that protect public health and preserve the cleanliness of shared spaces.
To sustain the intensive cleanup operation, the Provincial Government deployed 55 street sweepers and 10 environmental enforcers assigned to maintain cleanliness and implement environmental regulations across festival sites.
The City Government of Koronadal further strengthened the operation by augmenting the effort with 36 additional street sweepers and 16 enforcers, demonstrating strong collaboration between the provincial and city governments in delivering quality public services.
Supporting the field operations were 18 committee members from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office who supervised waste collection teams, monitored compliance with environmental policies, and served as enforcement personnel during the festival.
Collected garbage was turned over to designated collection points located at the committee table in front of the Department of Public Works and Highways office and the Rizal Park Guard House.
Daily waste collection started as early as 5:30 a.m. to ensure that major streets and festival venues were thoroughly cleaned before 7:00 a.m., allowing residents, workers, and visitors to begin each day in a safe and clean environment.
Environmental enforcement also remained active throughout the celebration. Authorities issued citation tickets for violations that included one case involving an anti-smoking regulation, one case involving the disposal of waste outside the prescribed collection schedule, and two cases involving the failure of establishments to provide proper waste receptacles for customers.
Through strengthened cooperation among local government units, environmental workers, and the public, South Cotabato continues to demonstrate that successful festivals are measured not only by vibrant celebrations but also by responsible environmental stewardship and responsive public service.
