The activity is in consonance with the annual celebration of the International Coastal Clean-Up (ICC) Day, which is celebrated every third Saturday of September. This year’s ICC day is focused on the theme, “Clean Seas for Healthy Fisheries”.

The ICC is a global initiative, which aims to raise awareness on the pressing challenges relative to growing pollution among beaches and coastlines in the country and in the entire world.

Approximately 170 tons of garbage was collected from the coastal barangays in the city, with single-use plastics such as plastic bags and plastic water bottles consuming the biggest portion of the wastes collected during the clean up. 

A brief program at the wharf area commenced after the clean up activity. 

Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Diomedes Pablo who represented Regional Executive Director Arturo Fadriquela, underscores the significant contribution of the society to actively take part in conserving our coastlines and beaches, most particularly the residents in coastal areas.

“As one of the 17 mega bio diverse countries in the world it is incumbent upon us to undertake various initiatives that we conserve and preserve our ecosystems.”

Another highlight of the activity was the introduction of the mascot named “Totong the Kitong” representing the fish Kitong or Rabbitfish, a flagship species of the Dumanquillas Bay Protected Landscape and Seascape (DBPLS).

“Totong the Kitong” entertained the crowd through its dance presentation entitled “Agos ng Buhay”.

With the growing population of the world, tons of garbage and trash are collected each year. Global initiatives such as ICC Day are among the significant steps towards conserving our environment and safeguarding our marine ecosystems. These initiatives draw communities together, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the environment. Every individual is enjoined to make a difference by taking action, one piece of trash at a time. (RVC/EDT/SBM/PIA9-Zamboanga del Sur)