DENR Caraga spearheaded another major coastal cleanup event across the region from September 9-20, 2023, to mark the local observance of the International Coastal Cleanup Day and Philippine National Cleanup Month with the theme “Clean Seas for Healthy Fisheries.”

The endeavor successfully collected a total of 797 sacks weighing 6,486.75 kilograms of non-biodegradable waste from an aggregate span of 16,891.8 meters within the 22 cleanup sites, within coastal areas, creeks, and river banks in the region, which is a notable step towards the preservation of the region’s coastal ecosystems.

The Coastal Ecosystem is home to many marine plants and animals and provides valuable resources to humankind. 

As the primary agency enforcing environmental conservation, the DENR leads the celebration of the International Coastal Cleanup Day every 3rd Saturday of September in the Philippines according to Presidential Proclamation No. 470 series of 2003. The event aimed to raise awareness about the environmental impact of marine litter, engaging communities and promoting sustainable practices in coastal areas.  

DENR-Caraga, Regional Executive Director (RED), Nonito M. Tamayo, expressed his gratitude to all the participants at the Coastal Cleanup held at Barangay La Fraternidad, Tubay, Agusan del Norte last September 16. “May this Simultaneous Coastal Cleanup encourage us to lead by example. Influence others actively in cleanup efforts, promote eco-friendly practices, and be the change you want to see in the world. Let us not only clean up our environment today but also in the coming days to sustain livelihood in our local communities and prevent the eradication of coastal pollution,” RED Tamayo said.

The collaborative efforts of some 2,811 participants, comprising 1,545 males and 1,266 females from local communities, educational institutions, business sectors, national government agencies, local government units, and concerned individuals in the region, contributed to restoring and protecting the coastal environment.

Most trash collected during the celebration were cigarette butts, beverage bottles, food wrappers, bottle caps, grocery bags, food containers, cups, plates, straws, and stirrers. 

Other areas subjected to cleanup were Patin-ay Creek, Brgy. Patin-ay in Prosperidad, Overview, Purok-4, Sta. Irene in Bayugan City, Sitio Ilang-Ilang, Brgy. San Mariano in Loreto, Brgy. New Visayas creek, New Visayas in Trento, and Purok 2B, Brgy. Doña Flavia in San Luis, all of Agusan del Sur; Brgy. Poblacion in Carmen, Brgy. Poblacion in Buenavista, District 7, Brgy. Punta, and So. Lahi, Brgy. Sta. Ana in Nasipit, and Brgys. Lumbocan and Masao in Butuan City, all Agusan del Norte; Brgy. San Fernando and Brgy. Poblacion in Bislig City, Sitio Pugad, Brgy. Payasan in Lianga, Brgy. San Pedro in Cantilan, Coastline along Brgys. Mabua and Rosario in Tandag City and Brgy. Victoria in Tago all of Surigao del Sur; Brgy. Sta. Cruz in San Jose, Province of Dinagat Islands; Sitio Looc, Brgy. Punta Bilar and Surigao City Boulevard in Surigao City, Brgy. Union in Dapa, and Brgy. Sampaguita in Taganaan all of Surigao del Norte.

The accomplishment of the Simultaneous Coastal Cleanup in the region aids a call to action, a call to responsibility, and a call to unity to create a profound and lasting difference for a cleaner and healthier environment. (ASCS)