Our Ocean, Our Responsibility: 24th International Coastal Cleanup

Last September 19, 2009 through the efforts done by the Philippine Reefs Management Corporation (PRMC), an entity formed that to focus on the conservation and rehabilitation projects for the philippine coral reefs nationwide, organized this year’s coastal cleanup and was held in Mayumi Dive Resort in Anilao Batangas.

Together with hundreds of volunteers and supporters, they focused on cleaning up the coastal area in the surrounding shores and dive sites of Anilao. The event was very well represented through the support of: the Office of Governor of Batangas through its representative Fr. Levi; Vice-Governor Marc Leviste who gave a meaningful appreciation to all the participants; Anilao Mayor Nilo Villanueva who gave updates on environmental programs for Anilao; Ms. Cristy Ramos, daughter of former Phil. President Fidel V. Ramos, who joined divers to pick up trashes around the dive sites in Anilao; the representatives of Philippine Coast Guard’s 128th squadron group; Merck, Inc. who provided the analysis of the trashes collected; Mares Dive Equipment, who provided our guest’s gear for diving; and the hundreds of volunteers and guests who trooped that weekend in Batangas to give their helping hand.

As what Vice-Governor Marc Leviste informed the hundred of volunteers, guests, and media present during the event, it is every filipino’s responsibility to make sure that protecting and conserving the environment as one of our priority as we live our day-to-day lives. He also acknowledged the efforts done by the PRMC in spearheading the conservation programs of his province, and he truly appreciate the efforts the company started. He is looking forward to work with them again soon in much exciting endeavors.

Ms. Tish Aligada, the representative of Merck, tasked to collect and assess the garbage during the event, noticed the significant drop on the volume of the trash collected in the area. The total garbage collected totaled 53 kilograms from previous years’ average of 300 kilograms. Albeit the garbage problem is there, the significant drop would only mean that the community is aware today on properly disposing their trash. Ms. Aligada added, the common trash collected have more plastics and rubbers like small shampoo sachets, sachets of toiletries, and rubber slippers.