DENR Caraga, in partnership with the Municipal LGU of Buenavista and Barangay LGU of Sacol, conducted a clean-up drive along the coastal areas of Brgy. Sacol, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte on March 1, 2024, in celebration of the World Seagrass Day.

A total of 70 volunteers (34 males and 36 females) comprising the officials and residents from BLGU-Sacol and MLGU-Buenavista, together with personnel from the DENR Caraga Regional Office, PENR Office of Agusan del Norte, and CENR Office of Nasipit, participated in the activity.

The participants gathered 20 sacks of residual and hazardous wastes weighing about 159.3 kilograms from the 100-meter-long coastline, which was collected by the municipal garbage truck of Buenavista after the event for proper disposal. The residents who participated in the activity were given advocacy items including foldable fans, mugs, pouches, and eco-bags.

Based on the seagrass assessment of the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA) last April 12, 2023, four (4) species of seagrasses within the marine waters of Buenavista were noted, which include Cymodocea rotundata, Halodule pinifolia, Siringodium isoetifolium, and Thalassia hemprichii. There have also been sightings of marine turtle nesting sites within Barangay Sacol, making it a critical area to raise awareness of the importance of seagrasses and marine turtles.

As part of the program, CDO II Maria Catherine G. Yu briefly discussed the importance of the National Women’s Month celebration as activities are being undertaken nationwide, simultaneous to the celebration of World Seagrass Day. Ms. Yu emphasized to the participants the important role women play in society. She also highlighted that the recurring theme of the celebration for 2023-2028 is “WE for Gender Equality and Inclusive Society” while its sub-theme for 2024 is “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!”

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#WorldSeagrassDay2024