IN A bid to maintain the cleanliness of surroundings, the local government on Tuesday, April 27, 2021, launched its clean-up drive at San Simon Villas in Barangay San Pablo Propio, San Simon town, Pampanga.

Mayor Abundio Punsalan Jr. personally led the homeowners along with volunteers from the municipal hall and Bureau of Fire Protection in cleaning the surroundings.

"Three hundred families live here in San Simon Villas and for over 15 years, the area has been neglected. Every year, they experience flooding and just recently, some homeowners were hospitalized due to dengue," he said.

During the activity, government employees and homeowners jointly swept the roads while families were urged to maintain the cleanliness of their respective houses.

All canals and drainages were likewise unclogged to prevent flooding come rainy season and the possible breeding of dengue-carrying mosquitoes.

Cut-off branches of trees and other wastes that piled up at the facade of the village were collected by the garbage truck.

Prior to the clean-up drive, the local government also funded the upgrading and cementing of the entrance road of the village.

Punsalan said the clean-up drive at San Simon Villas is just the start of the activity that will be conducted municipal-wide.

"We have to do this as early as now in preparation for the rainy and flood season. We also call on residents to maintain the cleanliness of their surroundings as it is the top weapon against any disease, including Covid-19," he said.

Barangay San Pablo Propio Chairman Aming De Guzman expressed gratitude to Punsalan for his initiative in leading the clean-up drive.

"The swift action of Mayor Punsalan prevented the possible outbreak of dengue among San Simon Villas residents," he said.