CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) -- About 1,600 sacks of wastes were collected during the Central Luzon region-wide cleanup drive in observance of World Ocean Day.
 
Collected wastes were mostly composed of single-used plastic bags, styrofoam, food wrappers, plastic bottles, cans, and sachets.
 
In a statement, Department of Environment and Natural Resources said over a thousand state workers and volunteers took part in the simultaneous event held in the municipalities of Baler and Dilasag in Aurora; municipality of Mariveles in Bataan; municipality of San Miguel and cities of Meycauayan and Baliwag in Bulacan; and city of Cabanatuan in Nueva Ecija.
 
Cleanup activities were likewise held in the cities of Angeles and San Fernando in Pampanga; municipalities of Bamban, Capas, Victoria and Mayantoc and city of Tarlac in Tarlac; and municipalities of Botolan and Palauig and city of Olongapo in Zambales.
 
World Ocean Day is celebrated every June 8 to remind people on the importance of oceans in human life.
 
It highlights the importance of conserving and restoring oceans, and reiterates the need to ensure the sustainable management of coastal and marine ecosystems.
 
In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly resolved that June 8 would be designated as “World Ocean Day” through General Assembly resolution 63/111.
 
The theme for this year is “Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing”, which serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of all life on Earth and the need for sustainable practices to safeguard oceans for the future. (CLJD-PIA 3)