In a collective effort to address coastal pollution, around 40 employees of MORE Power, together with 60 members of the Guardians of the Environment, participated in the annual International Coastal Clean-up Day. The event, held at Villa Beach, saw volunteers from all walks of life band together to clear the shoreline of accumulated trash.
Volunteers, including students from the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) and John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, combed the beach, gathering trash that ranged from plastic bottles to household waste. This waste is brought in yearly by the monsoon and tides, with much of it attributed to improper waste disposal by nearby residents. The cleanup not only helped restore the beach’s beauty but also contributed to a global data collection effort aimed at understanding the scope of marine pollution.
“We are cleaning today to maintain the cleanliness of our seas and to identify the waste that affects marine life,” said Dave Demegillo, a student-volunteer from John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University.
For Christine, a volunteer from UPV Pahinungod, the experience was both fulfilling and eye-opening. “It’s rewarding to be able to contribute, even in a small way, and to interact with other volunteers. The effort is incredible,” she said.
Fermin Leonor III, also from UPV Pahinungod, emphasized the importance of collective action. “Through our joint efforts, we can make an impact on our environment and inspire others to participate in events like this coastal clean-up.”
According to environmental advocate Ian Varona, the clean-up at Villa Beach has been ongoing for the past five years, with volunteers consistently collecting tons of trash. He expressed concern about how much of this waste could have been avoided through responsible waste disposal practices.
“This could all be prevented if residents took greater responsibility in managing their trash and refrained from dumping it into the sea,” said Varona, local coordinator of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC). “Every piece of trash disposed of irresponsibly eventually makes its way back to our shores, especially during monsoon season and typhoons. Fortunately, we’ve seen growing community involvement over the years.”
MORE Power contributed significantly to the event by providing essential cleaning supplies, including 100 pairs of gloves and sacks for trash collection. Additionally, they distributed 650 food packs to the volunteers.
“We allocated 100 volunteers to assist in this effort, each playing a part in picking up the trash. This isn’t just about cleaning – we’re also collecting data to understand how we can better maintain our waterways in the future,” said Glimmer Hope Deslate, Marketing Officer of MORE Power.
The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) spearheaded the initiative, working alongside MORE Power, various academic institutions, and non-government organizations. In total, the half-day clean-up resulted in the collection of 6,900 kilograms of waste, making a significant impact on the preservation of Villa Beach.
