Matalam, Cotabato – In a concerted effort to ensure a zero-waste election, authorities removed a total of 601 election-related materials illegally posted on trees and utility poles during the Operation Baklas in Matalam, Cotabato, on February 11, 2025. The initiative was spearheaded by the DENR-12 Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Matalam, in partnership with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and other government agencies.
The operation was conducted under Republic Act (RA) 9006, also known as the Fair Election Act of 2001, which prohibits the posting of campaign materials on trees, plants, shrubs, and other public spaces such as roads, plazas, parks, and school premises. The campaign covered multiple municipalities within CENRO Matalam’s jurisdiction, including Arakan, President Roxas, Magpet, Makilala, M’lang, and Tulunan, Cotabato.
Among the key areas targeted were public parks, busy roads, and polling place vicinities, where numerous campaign posters were illegally displayed. Beyond just enforcement, the initiative aimed to educate both candidates and the public on the environmental impact of these unlawful materials and encourage proper recycling and disposal practices.
Operation Baklas was a collaborative effort involving the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and community volunteers. This multi-agency approach underscores the commitment to fair, transparent, and environmentally responsible elections.
Through such initiatives, DENR-12 continues to advocate for a cleaner and healthier environment while upholding electoral integrity, demonstrating that sustainability and democracy can go hand in hand.
