The Philippines has surpassed its International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) records during the activity conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Saturday in 250 coastal sites across the country to raise awareness about the impact of plastic pollution on marine life and ecosystems.
From 35,000 volunteers last year, DENR recorded 74,075 volunteers from 1,913 government, academe, and private sector organizations.
From the northernmost Pasuquin municipality in Ilocos Region to the southernmost Gian municipality in Socksargen Region, volunteers of all ages gathered at beaches, riverbanks, and coastlines and meticulously collected a total of 352,479 kilograms trash and debris, ranging from plastics to other waste materials during the cleanup activity.
“This year marks a significant milestone as the Philippines affirms its commitment to coastal cleanliness and environmental conservation,” DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga said in a news release on Sunday.
“With the ICC 2024 theme, “Clean Seas for Blue Economy,” this year’s cleanup not only aimed to address immediate pollution but also sought to inspire long-term behavioral changes among communities, encouraging everyone to reduce waste and participate in ongoing clean-up initiatives.”
The data gathered during the cleanup will be compiled to better understand the types of waste affecting the country’s waters, ultimately guiding future conservation, waste recovery, and resource utilization strategies, while the collected trash that can be recycled will be brought to the nearest materials recovery facility (MRF).
The Manila Public Information Office also shared that at least 12 truckloads of garbage were collected from the coastal area of Baseco Beach in Port Area.
In a statement, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna called on residents to practice proper disposal and segregation of trash, noting how recyclable materials can be put into good use.
Lacuna lamented that when Super Typhoon Carina submerged Manila on July 24, tons of garbage were found in clogged waterways and drainage systems.
“Nung personal tayong nagtungo sa mga barangay sa kasagsagan ng baha ay literal na dagat ng basura ang aming nilusong at di kataka-taka dahil sa dami ng basura na nakapagbara sa lagusan ng tubig mula sa kanal, estero maging mismo sa dalampasigan (When we personally visited communites, we literally waded through a sea of garbage that blocked creeks, drainage and coastal areas),” she said.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. previously pegged climate change and common trash disposal practices as the culprits of extensive flooding in Metro Manila, following the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) report that Carina caused 13 landslides, causing the evacuation of more than 600,000 people, and the death of 14 people in the country.
“Today, we witnessed an incredible outpouring of support and dedication from Filipinos who care deeply about our environment,” Loyzaga said.
“As we celebrate the 30th year of the International Coastal Cleanup in the Philippines, we reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding our coastal resources and promoting sustainable practices that protect our marine ecosystems.”
The ICC is one of the largest volunteer efforts in the world, with over 150 participating countries and millions of volunteers each year.
The Philippines started participating in the ICC in 1994.
In 2003, the Philippine government institutionalized the event by issuing Presidential Proclamation 470, setting ICC in the Philippines every third Saturday of September.
“We are grateful for the collaboration of local governments, academic institutions, non-government organizations, and most importantly, the passionate volunteers who made this event a resounding success,” Loyzaga said.
“By becoming stewards of our ecosystems and natural resources, we can ensure a healthier environment for current and future generations. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in protecting our precious marine environments.” (PNA)
