Divers join coastal cleanup in Concepcion’s Malangabang village

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Twenty-nine divers from various local and international organizations took part in a coastal cleanup in Barangay Malangabang, Concepcion, Iloilo.

The activity was organized by Mayor Milliard Villanueva and the Concepcion municipal government as part of ongoing efforts to protect the town’s marine resources and promote environmental sustainability.

Participating groups included Corazonan Divers, divers from the local government unit of Anilao, the Philippine Coast Guard, the US Peace Corps, and representatives from Carles and Concepcion LGUs.

International volunteers also joined the event, including Swiss and Vietnamese divers who traveled to the area to contribute to local conservation efforts.

Mayor Villanueva said the cleanup not only removed marine debris but also strengthened cooperation between the community, government agencies, and foreign volunteers in addressing environmental challenges.

“Protecting our coastal and marine ecosystems is a shared responsibility,” he said, adding that activities like this are vital to safeguarding fisheries and tourism resources that support local livelihoods.

The divers collected trash and other debris from the seabed and shoreline, with waste properly segregated and disposed of according to municipal environmental guidelines.

Barangay Malangabang, located in the Visayan Sea, is known for its rich marine biodiversity and fishing grounds, making it a priority area for conservation in northern Iloilo.

The municipal government said it will continue to hold similar cleanup activities and training programs to encourage sustainable fishing practices and reduce marine pollution.