DENR-Davao Collects Nearly 5 Tons of Waste in Coastal Clean-Up Drive

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the Davao Region (DENR-Davao) successfully collected approximately 692 sacks of garbage, equating to 4,674 kilograms, during a recent coastal clean-up event at Purok 5 and Sitio Malamboon, Barangay 76-A, Bucana, Davao City.

Food wrappers emerged as the most encountered debris with 4,026 pieces collected, followed closely by 3,738 cigarette butts, 2,584 plastic bags, 2,029 plastic sachets, and 1,545 fragments of plastic and foam materials.

This year’s haul is slightly lower than last year’s collection, which amounted to 691 sacks weighing 7,435 kilograms. The previous clean-up included a diverse range of waste such as plastic bags, bottles, cans, bottle caps, fishing gear, diapers, Styrofoam, disposable food containers, straws, and even clothing and footwear.

Maribel Alicer, Assistant Regional Director for Management Services at DENR-Davao, representing Regional Executive Director Atty. Ma. Mercedes V. Dumagan, highlighted the broader significance of the International Coastal Clean-up (ICC). She stated, "The ICC is more than just a waste collection activity; it represents a unifying effort towards enhancing climate resilience. We encourage everyone to regularly participate in coastal clean-ups to substantially reduce marine debris."

Alicer further emphasized the urgent need to protect marine ecosystems, noting, "The ongoing impacts of climate change continue to threaten both our planet and livelihoods, making the safeguarding of our seas increasingly vital."

Environmental Management Bureau–Davao Regional Director Alnulfo M. Alvarez expressed gratitude to the 2,044 volunteers from 54 institutions including government agencies, schools, and civic organizations. He remarked that the clean-up transcends public service, embodying a firm commitment to environmental stewardship.

The event, conducted on September 20, was organized in partnership with the Civil Service Commission–Davao Region and carried this year’s ICC theme: "Clean Seas Against the Climate Crisis."

In accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 470, the Philippines observes Coastal Clean-up Day every third Saturday of September, participating in this global initiative since 1994.