MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan – In observance of Environment Month, the provincial government of Bulacan launched a campaign to conserve Angat River with the theme, "Ilog Angat: Patuloy na Sagipin, Pangalagaan at Pagyamanin."

For the month of June, Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) will focus on activities that are expected to restore and preserve the natural beauty of Angat River which snakes through 11 towns -- Angat, Baliwag, Bustos, DRT, Norzagaray, Pulilan, Calumpit, San Rafael, Plaridel, Paombong, and Hagonoy.

Engineer Ricardo Medina, head of BENRO, said the drive involves government officials, non-governmental organizations, and students in activities that would produce forest tree seedlings. Other activities lined up for the campaign are tree planting on riverbank, cleanup drive, and environment summit.

The province will also hold photojournalism contest and exhibit, on the spot poster-making contest, and search for Mutya ng Ilog Angat.

Meanwhile, Gov. Joselito "Jonjon" Mendoza expressed his concern about illegal activities that might affect the environment, particularly illegal mining in watersheds.

He urged national government authorities, environment groups and residents to guard the protected areas against illegal activities.

"Mahigpit nating bantayan ang mga iligal na gawaing makasisira sa kalikasan lalo na ang mga illegal quarrying dito sa lalawigan. Hindi ko papayagang maubos at patuloy na gumuho ang lupa sa paligid ng ating mga kailugan. Makiisa tayo sa pagprotekta ng kalikasan upang masaksihan pa ito ng mga susunod na henerasyon," Mendoza said

Mendoza urged the mayors of the 11 towns that benefit from Angat River to cooperate and persuade their constituents into participating in activities for the conservation and protection of the waterway.