A total of 1,040 kilos of waste materials mostly composed of recyclables and residuals were collected in the coastal village of Navotas in this city on Sunday as government and non-government organizations and community volunteers joined together in observance of the World Oceans Day.

Organized by SM City Laoag in collaboration with the city government of Laoag through its Environment and Natural Resources Office, the activity aims to instill awareness on the protection of the blue planet.

City environment and natural resources officer Mylene Isabel Pascual reiterated Laoag’s “no burning”and “no segregation, no collection” policies in terms of waste disposal.

“The collected waste materials were segregated into recyclables, residuals, and biodegradable. Those that can be recycled will be turned over to the village or the city for proper disposition,” she said.

Dominador Ignacio, village chief of Navotas, thanked the organizers and participants for helping them clean up the beach, noting the high volume of weekend visitors.

“It means a lot to us that we are reminded to care for our ocean, the source of our livelihood,” he said.

At the SM City Laoag, mall goers are also encouraged to turn their trash to the cash recycling market near the transport hub every first Friday and Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Together, we can reduce waste, protect the environment, and create a greener future for generations to come,” SM City Laoag said in a statement.

Maria Cristina Sebastian, mall manager of SM City Laoag, recognized the over 1,000 volunteers who participated in the activity as part of the city’s efforts to clean the environment.

She said the coastal cleanup drive will become an annual initiative under the SM Cares program, in addition to the International Coastal Cleanup held every September, where everyone is once again invited to participate.

Those who joined Saturday’s cleanup activity were students, soldiers, policemen, personnel from the national government offices, non-government organizations, and civil society groups.

World Oceans Day is celebrated on June 8 to raise awareness about the benefits humanity derives from the oceans and to inspire global action for their protection. (PNA)