By Mar-Vic Cagurangan
Variety News Staff

TAKING over the Island-wide Beautification Task Force from his predecessor, Kaleo Moylan, Lt. Gov. Mike Cruz buckled down to work yesterday, directing the Department of Public Works to clear the illegal dumpsite recently discovered in Leyang, Barrigada.
"Protecting our natural environment is a responsibility that we must take seriously and it is critical that we set an example for our children," said Cruz, who is now acting governor in the absence of Gov. Felix P. Camacho.
The governor is in Washington, D.C., where he attended the bond borrowing case hearing at the U.S. Supreme Court.
"I ask all residents and businesses to remember that illegal dumping is not only against the law, but is a serious threat to the safety and health of our people," said Cruz, who is also in charge of the administration’s healthcare initiatives.
Cruz ordered the public works department to coordinate with village mayors on the abandoned vehicle program "so that any illegal dumpsites discovered can be cleared and enforcement action be taken."
The abandoned vehicle program is one of the administration’s center piece projects.
Cruz encourages residents to take advantage of the program and to utilize transfer stations in Malojloj, Dededo and Agat to dispose of white goods and other solid waste.