Photo by: DENR Central Luzon
SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga — More than 1,700 volunteers joined the annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) in Central Luzon, collecting over 75,000 kilograms of waste from various coastal areas in the region.
The cleanup activities, held under the theme “Clean Seas for Resilient Communities,” were spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Central Luzon in partnership with local government units, national government agencies, schools, uniformed services, non-government organizations, private groups and coastal communities.
DENR Central Luzon Regional Executive Director Ralph Pablo said the ICC is not simply about removing garbage from shorelines but also about documenting the types of waste collected to help identify the recurring sources of marine litter.
Photo by: DENR Central Luzon
Among the most common wastes recovered during the cleanup were plastic bags, food wrappers, diapers, clothing and foam pieces, Pablo said.
“Initial findings showed that plastic bags, food wrappers, diapers, clothes, and foam pieces were among the most common types of waste collected during the cleanup,” he said.
Pablo stressed that keeping waterways and coastal areas clean is vital to protecting marine ecosystems and supporting communities whose livelihoods and daily needs depend on healthy coastal resources.
He also called for sustained efforts to prevent waste from reaching rivers, estuaries and seas through proper waste disposal, waste reduction and greater community participation.
“Preventing waste from reaching rivers, estuaries, and seas requires sustained action, including responsible waste disposal, waste reduction, and the participation of communities and other stakeholders,” Pablo said.
The Philippines has been an active participant in the ICC, a global campaign that promotes awareness and community action against marine litter and encourages the protection of oceans and waterways.
The annual activity was initiated in 1986 by US-based environmental organization Ocean Conservancy and has since become a worldwide movement involving communities and volunteers in efforts to address marine pollution.