PH sets new record in coastal cleanup

NEW records were attained by the Philippines during the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) conducted on Saturday, September 22, in 250 coastal sites across the country, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said. This year's 74,075 cleanup volunteers from 1,913 organizations overshadowed last year's 35,000 participants, the DENR said, adding that the activity aimed to raise awareness about the impact of plastic pollution on marine life and ecosystems. On the other hand, a total of 352,479 kilograms of plastics and other waste materials were collected during the cleanup that was carried out from the coastlines of Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte to Gian in the Soccsksargen Region. DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said last Saturday's cleanup marks a "significant milestone" as the Philippines affirms its commitment to coastal cleanliness and environmental conservation. Yulo-Loyzaga said that the data from this year's cleanup drive would be compiled to understand better the types of solid waste affecting the country's waters. She said the collated data would ultimately guide future conservation, waste recovery and resource utilization strategies. The DENR chief said the collected waste that could be recycled would be brought to a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). "Today, we witnessed an incredible outpouring of support and dedication from Filipinos who care deeply about our environment," Yulo-Loyzaga said. "As we celebrate the 30th year of the International Coastal Cleanup in the Philippines, we reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding our coastal resources and promoting sustainable practices that protect our marine ecosystems," she added. The International Coastal Cleanup is one of the largest volunteer efforts in the world, with over 150 countries and millions of individuals participating each year. The Philippines joined the ICC in 1994, and in 2003, Proclamation 470 was issued, setting aside every third Saturday of September for the activity.