International Coastal Clean Up 2024

International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) is the world's largest volunteer-driven movement organized by Ocean Conservancy which aims to bring communities together for a cleaner and healthier oceans. This initiative focuses not only in cleaning the coasts but also aiming to document debris collected. With this activity, experts and advocates can better understand the causes of ocean pollution leading to targeted strategies and effective solutions ensuring a sustainable and healthier marine environment. 

In support and celebration of the ICC 2024, the TSPS-PAMO organized and hosted the event in partnership with the Municipality of San Remigio, Cebu on September 21, 2024 at Población, San Remigio, Cebu. The celebration was participated by a total of 454 participants composed of representatives from the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), Barangay Local Government Unit (BLGU), Municipal Local Government Unit (MLGU), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), DENR Central Visayas, Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), 4Ps beneficiaries, People’s Organization (POs), San Remigio National High School (SRNHS), Cebu Technological University (CTU) - San Remigio Extension Campus, Greenpeace Philippines, Non-government organizations (NGOs), other stakeholders and volunteers.

The activity commenced with a brief program, starting with an invocation then followed by the singing of the Philippine National Anthem. This was succeeded by a welcome address and acknowledgement of participants delivered by the Municipal Mayor of San Remigio, Cebu, duly represented by their Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (MENRO) Lolita Burlaos.   
Following MENRO Burlaos was Teacher Ivy Lapuerta, the representative of Department of Education (DepEd) and a teacher from SRNHS who delivered the inspirational message to all the attendees participating the event. In her inspirational message she said, “Our lapyahan, our Tañon, our Blue Planet needs to be protected and conserved. Earth Matters! We are born to this planet for a purpose and one way is to live a life worth living through doing this activity. Together, we can make a difference to this blue planet for this salient and significant day.” highlighting the significance of this event for the community and the marine environment.

Immediately after, Dr. Joselito Francis Alcaria, Coastal Resource Management Specialist of TSPS-PAMO read the message from the President of the Republic of the Philippines for the Maritime Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo) 2024. 

A final instruction from Reydin Orais, a project support staff from TSPS PAMO was delivered prior to the clean-up activity. During his speech, he accentuated the importance of the practice of segregating the collected materials by segregating them into three categories - Recyclable, Reusable, and Hazardous, which were the essential data needed for the event. 

The clean-up event then commenced and the activity managed to gather a total of 956.5 kilograms of trash from approximately 2.9 kilometers of clean-up area. The most frequently found items were glass beverage bottles, totaling 424 pieces, closely followed by plastic beverage bottles and plastic sachets, which numbered 419 pieces and 412 pieces respectively.

Table 1. Shows the international coastal clean-up summary of trash materials collected from San Remigio, Cebu

Hand-in-hand the community has the power to make a profound difference. Together, we can become the catalysts for change, sparking a movement that protects and preserves our marine environment for the welfare of the present and future generations. 

Through our shared passion and collective action, may we ignite the fire within each other and may it fuel a chain reaction of dedication and commitment in conserving our oceans.

May this initiative be the spark that inspires everyone to join in the effort creating a ripple effect of positive change. As we work together, may we not only safeguard the transient beauty of Tañon Strait but may also strengthen the bond between the community and the sea.