Over 107,000 Coastal Litter Items Collected in Mimaropa Cleanup

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — More than 107,000 pieces of marine litter were collected by over 6,000 volunteers across Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan) during the simultaneous 2026 International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) on Saturday, Sept. 19, highlighting the continuing challenge of preventing waste from reaching the region’s waterways and shores. The cleanup mobilized 6,059 volunteers who conducted extensive litter picking along the coastlines of the Mimaropa region. This event serves as a stark reminder of the severity of marine pollution challenges faced by the Philippines. Artificial waste, particularly plastic products, poses significant threats to marine ecosystems, as well as the region's tourism and fishing industries. The Philippines is identified as one of the world's largest contributors to marine debris, and its archipelagic nature means that litter accumulation on its coastlines is a persistent issue. While the government and NGOs regularly conduct awareness campaigns and cleanup drives, a more comprehensive approach is needed, including improvements in waste management systems and reductions in single-use plastic consumption. This cleanup initiative, while raising public environmental awareness, underscores the necessity for further international cooperation and strengthened domestic policies to ensure the preservation of a sustainable marine environment.