THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has recognized the untiring effort of a Finnish in helping maintain cleanliness at the boulevard of Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte.
Cidur Jalsadjiri, Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office chief, awarded a Plaque of Recognition to Somo Aaltonen, a Finnish, who is now residing near Dipolog City boulevard.
The awarding of plaque was held after the clean-up activity in identified rivers and creeks in Dipolog City in celebration of Zero Waste Month on Wednesday, January 25.
Julsadjiri said he noticed Aaltonen consistently picking up trash along the boulevard during his daily morning jogs.
It was revealed that Aaltonen has been doing voluntary work by collecting trash since 2014 after he accidentally stepped on a shard of glass in the boulevard.
Then and there, he began collecting glass pieces weighing from two kilograms in a plastic bag every day to cement sacks of plastic, diapers, and other non-biodegradable solid wastes.
On worst days, he would sometimes collect 30 sacks of solid waste.
Julsadjiri commended the foreign “envi warrior” for doing such selfless service in keeping the coastlines of Dipolog Boulevard debris-free for all the Dipolognon and a safe space even for children to play in.
Aaltonen, in his response, said the recognition is well-meaning for him as his service will be remembered somehow.
He hopes that this will encourage others to do the same to help maintain clean environment. (SunStar Zamboanga)