The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the Zamboanga Peninsula spearheaded simultaneous coastal clean-up and scubasurero activities on Thursday, May 21, 2026, collecting a total of 199 kilograms of coastal waste and underwater litter. The events were held in celebration of the Month of the Ocean, focusing on the protection and conservation of marine environments.
Simultaneous Activities in Two Key Locations
The clean-up operations took place at the Great and Little Sta. Cruz Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (GLSCIPLS) in Zamboanga City and at Triton Island in Vincenzo Sagun, Zamboanga del Sur. A total of 92 volunteers from various partner agencies and organizations participated, including DENR personnel, military personnel, and local community representatives.
Waste Collected at GLSCIPLS
At GLSCIPLS, volunteers collected 95 kilograms of coastal waste and retrieved an additional 42 kilograms of underwater debris through the Scubasurero activity. The waste included plastic bottles, plastic sachets, styrofoam, food wrappers, fishing lines, diapers, and other non-biodegradable materials that threaten marine biodiversity and coastal ecosystems.
Waste Collected at Triton Island
At Triton Island, volunteers gathered 62 kilograms of coastal waste and recovered additional underwater litter during the Scubasurero operation. The collected waste largely consisted of glass and plastic bottles, foam buoys, fishing lines, food containers, and various plastic materials commonly found along shorelines and marine habitats.
Importance of Collective Action
The DENR-Zamboanga Peninsula emphasized that the simultaneous clean-up and underwater retrieval activities underscored the importance of collective action in combating marine pollution and preserving the country’s coastal and marine resources. DENR-Zamboanga Peninsula OIC Executive Director Marie Angelique Go expressed appreciation to all volunteers, partner agencies, and scuba divers who contributed to the success of the activity. Go noted that through such initiatives, DENR continues to strengthen environmental awareness and encourage communities to actively participate in ocean protection.
Month of the Ocean Celebration
The Philippines celebrates the Month of the Ocean annually in May, established by Presidential Proclamation No. 57, Series of 1999. This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme “Sustaining Ocean Health, Sailing a Resilient Nation,” highlighting the conservation, protection, and sustainable management of the country’s vast coastal and marine resources.
