PH Coastal Cleanup Yields Over 466,000 Kg of Trash Nationwide

MANILA, Philippines — Over 103,000 participants nationwide have cleared more than 466,000 kilograms of trash from 369 coastal areas, according to a statement issued Sunday by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The cleanup was part of the Philippines’ participation in this year’s International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day, which was held last Saturday. The ICC is an annual event where volunteers worldwide collect trash from coastlines and waterways to document the extent of marine pollution. According to the DENR, over 103,000 individuals from various sectors, including government agencies, local government units, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), private companies, and citizens, participated in the cleanup activities across the country. The collected waste predominantly consisted of plastic products, such as bottles, food wrappers, and straws. Other items included glass bottles, metal scraps, and fishing gear. This waste poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems. The DENR stated that the cleanup served as an opportunity to raise awareness about the issue of marine plastic pollution and highlight the importance of sustainable waste management. The department also expressed its commitment to continuing similar initiatives to beautify coastlines and protect the marine environment. The Philippines is known as one of the countries that contribute significantly to marine plastic pollution globally, making it a critical environmental policy challenge for the nation. This cleanup effort can be seen as an indicator of growing national awareness and engagement in addressing this issue.