Over 6 Tons of Coastal Waste Removed in Philippine Cleanup Drive

SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Caraga and its partners collected 6,027.92 kilograms (six tons) of non-biodegradable waste during a regionwide coastal cleanup campaign that covered 10.37 kilometers of shoreline across the region. The cleanup, conducted from September 16 to 19, 2026, gathered 1,458 volunteers who collected waste along the coast. This initiative highlights the ongoing efforts to combat plastic pollution along the Philippines' extensive coastlines, aiming to raise environmental awareness within local communities and contribute to the protection of marine ecosystems. The collected waste predominantly consisted of items such as plastic bottles, packaging, and fishing gear, which pose significant threats to marine life. The DENR plans to continue such cleanup drives and strengthen collaboration with local residents and relevant agencies. Marine environmental conservation is a national priority for the Philippines, given its rich marine resources and long coastline. The issue of marine plastic pollution, particularly in the South China Sea, not only impacts ecosystems but also affects fisheries and tourism, necessitating international cooperation. This cleanup drive is part of the broader environmental protection efforts within the Philippines, underscoring the importance of individual responsibility towards environmental issues. In terms of Japan-Philippines relations, environmental cooperation is advancing, and such local-level activities can contribute to strengthening bilateral ties towards achieving sustainable development goals.