In observation of the celebration of 2024 Philippine Environment Month, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Central Office (CO) participated in a coastal cleanup for World Ocean's Day at BASECO Aplaya, Port Area, Manila on June 07, 2024.
With the theme: "Awaken New Depths,” the simultaneous nationwide coastal cleanup saw the collaboration of 14,000 participants from various sectors, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, private organizations, other national government agencies, local government units, youth groups, and community members.
Among the participants, 14 personnel from the MGB CO contributed their efforts to the massive cleanup drive-in.
The campaign aimed to address the alarming amount of waste accumulating along coastlines and riverbanks across the Philippines. In total, the initiative covered around 218 kilometers of coastal and riverbank areas nationwide.
The cleanup drive resulted in the collection of approximately 118,000 kilos of waste, equivalent to over 8,500 sacks filled with various types of litter. Commonly found items included plastic bottles, plastic bags, food wrappers, utensils, straws, sachets, styrofoam, cigarette butts, and discarded fishing gear. This substantial effort underscores the urgent need for continued environmental awareness and action.
World Oceans Day, first proposed in 1992 during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, is celebrated globally to emphasize the importance of ocean conservation and encourage initiatives that protect marine ecosystems.
This day highlights the vital role the ocean plays in human life and the myriad ways individuals can contribute to its preservation, fostering a deeper personal connection to the sea.
The success of various cleanup efforts underscores the power of community involvement and the positive impact of collaborative action in addressing environmental challenges.
