By Emmanuel T. Erediano
emmanuel@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
REPRESENTATIVES Danny I. Aquino and John Paul Sablan, in partnership with the Department of Lands and Natural Resources’ Parks and Recreation Division, conducted a two-day roadside cleanup and beautification project in Precinct 2 on Monday and Tuesday.
The two Precinct 2 lawmakers described the activity as a demonstration of “hands-on leadership,” saying it reflected their shared commitment to community pride through direct collaboration with Parks and Recreation officials and staff.
The roadside beautification project, Aquino said, marked a shift from their ongoing village beautification initiatives to focus on improving major roadway corridors heavily traveled by residents, students, and visitors.
Alongside their respective staff, Aquino and Sablan worked collaboratively with Parks and Recreation crew members to carry out extensive roadside grass cutting and cleanup.
Work began at the traffic light intersection near the former AK Toyota site in San Jose and continued south along Beach Road in Susupe through Chalan Piao. The project included grass cutting and roadway maintenance near Hopwood Middle School before concluding in Koblerville.
The effort, Aquino said, significantly improved visibility, safety, and the overall appearance of the roadway for motorists and pedestrians alike. Beyond the immediate improvements, he added, the roadside grass cutting served as a preview of the governor’s upcoming island-wide beautification initiative, which aims to create a cleaner and more visually appealing environment for both residents and visitors while emphasizing the importance of maintaining public spaces.
Aquino and Sablan expressed their appreciation to Parks and Recreation Director Mike Cruz and his staff for coordinating the effort.
They emphasized that the collaboration “reflects a strong partnership between elected leaders and government agencies working toward a common goal.”
“Director Mike Cruz and his team reached out to us, and we were glad to assist,” Aquino and Sablan said in a joint statement. “This kind of collaboration shows what can be accomplished when we work together for the good of our communities.”
Aquino underscored the importance of leading by example and remaining actively engaged in community efforts. Sablan, for his part, highlighted the importance of maintaining clean and safe roadways for residents, students, and visitors.
As the island prepares for a broader beautification push, the lawmakers said their joint effort stands as a positive example of teamwork, dedication, and shared responsibility in building a cleaner and more welcoming island.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
