The Environmental Management Bureau 11 (EMB 11) called for sustained environmental responsibility as it led the 2026 International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), which yielded 4,832 kilograms of waste from the coastal area of Barangay Matina Aplaya, Davao City on Saturday.
EMB 11 Director Alnulfo Alvarez said the annual cleanup should not be viewed as a one-day activity but as a reminder of the responsibility of communities to protect the environment every day.
“Let us make today’s clean-up meaningful, and may it remind us that our responsibility to the environment continues even after this activity ends,” Alvarez said.
The ICC was held at Seaside 2, Matina Aplaya where 852 volunteers from 92 organizations helped clean an 804-meter coastal stretch covering an estimated 8,302 square meters.
The volunteers collected 396 sacks of waste, with plastic bags, plastic bottles and caps, wrappers, sachets, clothes and footwear among the most commonly recovered materials.
EMB 11 said the amount and types of waste collected underscore the continuing need for proper waste management, waste reduction and responsible consumption, particularly in communities near coastal areas.
The bureau said the participation of hundreds of volunteers and partner organizations showed the importance of collective action in addressing marine litter and protecting coastal ecosystems.
Beyond removing waste from the shoreline, EMB 11 emphasized that the ICC should encourage individuals, communities and organizations to adopt responsible environmental practices throughout the year.
EMB 11 added that the 4.8-ton waste haul also highlights the need for continued efforts to prevent waste from reaching waterways and coastal areas, particularly through proper disposal and reduced use of materials that can contribute to marine litter.
