26th International Coastal Clean Up

October 28, 2011

In 1986, the first coastal cleanup was organized to remove trash and debris along the beach of San Pedro Island, Texas. Years after, the movement that once started in Texas has now become an annual global event reaching even the coasts of the Philippines. With the theme “Trash-Free Seas”, Ocean Conservancy once again gathered the world for the 26th International Coastal Clean Up. In support to this advocacy, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) once again collaborated with various government agencies and offices, the academe and other organizations on September 17, 2011.

Being one of the most active advocates of environmental wellness, FEU – East Asia College, through the efforts of the SACSO – CESU, joined the clean up at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat Eco-Tourism Area. Trooping in the site with rakes, shovels, gloves and sacks were the students headed by the SCC, and associates from the ITE Department headed by Director Rossana Adao, CpE Department headed by Community Extension Adviser Maribel Misola, CE Department, HSC Department, SACSO and AO.

Apart from the simultaneous cleaning of the coastlines and waterways, ICC also endeavors to identify the sources of the debris, and transform human behaviors towards proper waste management.

The success of the International Coastal Clean Up Day is not measured on this one-day event; more importantly, the real triumph lies on the aftermath. Indeed, more than cleaning the coastlines and waterways, the ICC equipped not only the FEU-EAC community but the world with the right attitude towards the impact of marine debris and how to prevent them.