29/06/2024
𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐨, 𝐋𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐌𝐬. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐀𝐥𝐫𝐞𝐳𝐚𝐡 𝐀. 𝐑𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐚, 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲-𝐖𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧-𝐔𝐩, 𝐒𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐢
Marawi City, Lanao del Sur - On a sunny Saturday morning, over 70 volunteers from diverse age groups gathered with a shared mission: to clean up a stretch of their beloved city. Project Ranao's Clean-Up Drive Day was a resounding success, demonstrating the power of community action and the unwavering spirit of the Meranao people.
The event, which focused on cleaning the area from Mapandi Bridge to Tampilong's old terminal, attracted enthusiastic participants from both youth and adult demographics. The project organizers initially emphasized youth participation but quickly recognized that the desire to create positive environmental change transcends age barriers.
Under the guidance of Mr. Mohammad Gondarangin, the CENRO head, the clean-up drive commenced and spanned over two hours. The volunteers' dedication and hard work were evident as they diligently collected trash and debris, transforming the targeted area into a cleaner and healthier environment.
Following the clean-up drive, the Project Ranao team, along with other environmental advocates, were invited by CENRO to a special program commemorating "Environment Month" at the Marawi City Hall gymnasium. The event served as a platform to recognize the invaluable contributions of individuals and organizations committed to environmental preservation.
During the program, Project Ranao received special recognition from both Mayor Majul U. Gandamra and CENRO head Mr. Mohammad Gondarangin. Ms. Princess Alrezah A. Radiamoda, the project head, was presented with a certificate of recognition and delivered an inspiring speech to the assembled volunteers, emphasizing the importance of Project Ranao's motto: "Limpyo a Ranao parako Bangsa a Meranao!" (Clean Ranao for the Meranao Nation!).
Project Ranao, a microproject under the prestigious Philippine Youth Leadership Program (PYLP), exemplifies the transformative potential of youth-led initiatives. Supported by the US Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, in collaboration with the Center for Southeast Asian Studies, Northern Illinois University, and the University of Science and Technology of the Southern Philippines, the project empowers young leaders to create lasting change in their communities.
Through events like the Clean-Up Drive Day, Project Ranao not only improves the physical environment of Marawi but also fosters a sense of unity, pride, and shared responsibility among its residents. By working together, the Meranao people are building a brighter, cleaner future for their beloved city and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
