TACLOBAN CITY – A total of 13,868 kilos of trash was collected from various parts of Eastern Visayas during the International Coastal Clean-up (ICC) on Saturday, September 21.
The event, spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region VIII, saw the participation of 7,623 volunteers from 183 government agencies, local government units, schools, and private sectors.
With the theme “Clean Seas for a Blue Economy,” the event aimed to raise awareness about marine conservation by collecting trash from coastal areas, which poses a significant threat to marine life and ecosystems.
Melecia Sumbeling, chief of the Coastal Resource and Foreshore Management Section of DENR VIII, emphasized the importance of the clean-up.
“This activity is a call to ensure that the ocean remains the foundation of a thriving blue economy while preserving the health and productivity of marine biodiversity,” she said.
The clean-up also highlighted the importance of environmental stewardship and community engagement in addressing the growing issue of marine pollution. It sought to inspire long-term behavioral changes, encouraging communities to reduce waste and take part in future clean-up efforts.
In addition to its immediate impact, the activity contributed to gathering valuable data on the types of waste found in the country’s waters. This information will aid in conservation efforts, waste recovery, and resource utilization.
The Philippines has been participating in the ICC since 1994, following Presidential Proclamation 470, which designated the third week of September for the annual observance of the event.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
