Plogging, a fitness craze that combines walking, jogging, and the picking up of trash, reached the unique terrain of the Laoag sand dunes on Tuesday, with villagers and volunteers working together to advocate love for nature and proper waste management.

In an interview, Mylene Isabel Pascual of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office told the Philippine News Agency that the activity marked the start of a sustained effort in environmental preservation in the city.

“The activity is a shining example of the city’s commitment to being ‘alisto’ (alert) in protecting its natural treasures, leading to ‘asenso’ (progress), and ultimately ensuring long-term progress for all its citizens,” Pascual said.

The activity, dubbed “Alisto Plogging Laoag,” also sought to inspire both children and adults to discover the beauty of nature, the fun of exercise, and saving the environment from degradation, she added.

A typical plog can vary anywhere from two to four miles on average. The trash collected during the activity would be segregated and disposed to the sanitary landfill.

Christine Joy Salvador, a resident who volunteered for the activity, took to social media to appeal for proper waste management following her plogging experience.

“As more and more volunteers dedicate their time to cleanups, we hope that, as a community, we will all become more responsible with our wastes,” she said in a Facebook post showing photos of plastic litter strewn across the dunes.

Pascual said the sand dunes were picked as venue to maximize the impact of the plogging activity.

Also among those who participated in the activity were Philippine Coast Guard personnel who added bending, squatting and stretching to the main actions of running, hiking or walking. (PNA)