October 19, 2024, Day-as, Cordova, Cebu – The Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation Inc. (CCEF), in partnership with Manulife Business Processing Services (MBPS), the Municipality of Cordova, and Barangay Day-as, successfully conducted another coastal cleanup event.
This marks the second cleanup in just one month.
Mr. Ralph John Sarne Planteras, the Co-chair of the MBPS Sustainability Hub Team, delivered a welcoming address to the volunteers, expressing his gratitude for their eagerness and commitment to the cleanup drive.
On behalf of Barangay Day-as, Hon. Goldwayne T. Baje, a member of the Barangay Council, conveyed a message of appreciation to Manulife and CCEF for their initiative in organizing the cleanup.
CCEF held a brief orientation for the volunteers, emphasizing safety protocols, guidelines, waste categories, emergency procedures, and the locations of first-aid stations, waste drop-off points, and weighing areas before heading to the cleanup site.
In addition to the volunteers on the ground, there were security personnel from Manulife, seven Barangay Public Safety Officers, three Barangay Health Workers, five Red Cross Youth members, and other first-aid providers, all equipped with the necessary supplies. An ambulance from the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Cordova was also on standby to ensure the safety and security of all participants.
Over 100 volunteers participated in the cleanup, including employees from Manulife and CCEF, representatives from Barangay Day-as, and students from the University of San Carlos–Talamban Biology Integrated Organization and the University of Cebu Community Awareness, Relations, and Extension Services (UC CARES) – Medical Technology Department.
To contribute to the Global Ocean Trash Database, one volunteer from each team was assigned to record data using data cards, assisting the designated data recorder who used the Clean Swell app. This effort aims to raise public awareness about the ongoing issue of marine pollution, particularly the role of plastic waste in this crisis.
The five groups of volunteers collected approximately 515.86 kilograms of waste from the same area that was cleaned during the first cleanup drive on September 21, 2024. The total area cleaned amounted to 1,247.78 m² of mangroves.
Like the previous cleanup, more than 90% of the collected trash belonged to the Plastics and Foam category, with the majority consisting of plastic food wrappers and other plastic waste.
The following shows the specific items collected:
| Balloons | Clothing | Foam dock pieces | Lids (plastic) | Straws/stirrers (plastic) |
| Beverage bottles (glass) | Construction materials | Foam packaging | Lines, nets, ropes, etc. | Syringes |
| Bottles | Condoms | Food containers (foam) | Other bags (plastic) | Tampons & applicators |
| Beverage cans | Cotton bud sticks (swabs) | Food containers (plastic) | Other plastic bottles (oil, bleach, etc.) | Tobacco products |
| Beverage sachets/pouches | Cups, plates (foam) | Food wrappers | Other plastic waste | Toys |
| Bottle caps (metal) | Cups, plates (plastic) | Footwear | Other waste (metal, paper, etc.) | Utensils (plastic) |
| Bottle caps (plastic) | Diapers | Gloves & masks (PPE) | Plastic/foam pieces | |
| Cigarette butts | Electronic waste (phones, batteries) | Grocery bag (plastic) | Strapping bands |
This is indeed alarming. The data reveals the intensity of plastic pollution in coastal and marine environments. This not only highlights the need to take this issue seriously but also strengthens our commitment to the conservation and protection of these ecosystems.
Coastal cleanups are one of the many efforts we can undertake to help protect and conserve coastal and marine environments.
The success of this second coastal cleanup is a testament to the unwavering support and dedication of all the volunteers involved. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of this event.
