International Coastal Cleanup 2025 rallies 1,000+ for clean seas

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More than 1,000 volunteers gathered in Barangay Sto. Niño Sur, Arevalo, Iloilo City, on Saturday, September 20, 2025, for the annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region VI (DENR-6) led the coastal cleanup in line with this year’s theme, “Clean Seas Against the Climate Crisis.”

A total of 1,125 individuals—611 males and 514 females—participated in the event, including 609 youth and children who contributed their time and energy to climate action.

Volunteers came from various sectors, including government agencies, civil society, barangay officials, students, and community organizations.

The cleanup covered six segments totaling 2.502 kilometers from Breakthrough Restaurant in Sto. Niño Sur to the Arevalo-Oton boundary.

The effort resulted in the collection of 1,998.36 kilograms of non-biodegradable waste, filling 347 sacks.

Most of the trash collected consisted of plastic beverage bottles, food wrappers, grocery bags, sachets, and other single-use plastics.

The initiative highlighted the importance of personal responsibility and collective action in addressing climate and environmental issues.

“This day shall be a reminder to all that every single choice we make—no matter how big or small—impacts our environment, and it is our collective responsibility to make better ones,” said DENR-6 Regional Executive Director Raul Lorilla.

Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu, through City ENR Officer Janis Sy, expressed gratitude to DENR-6, volunteers, and barangay leaders for their contribution to sustainability.

“Every trash we gather is a small victory for sustainability, and each pair of hands here represents hope for a greener tomorrow,” she said.

She emphasized that community cooperation is key to reversing the impact of pollution and protecting Iloilo City’s natural beauty.

Also present were Atty. Ramar Niel V. Pascua, Environmental Management Bureau Region VI director, Iloilo Provincial ENR Officer Salvador C. Manglinong Jr., and Barangay Captain Nestor Espinosa.

The International Coastal Cleanup was founded in 1986 by the Ocean Conservancy, a nonprofit dedicated to marine protection.

The Philippines consistently ranks among the top countries in terms of volunteer turnout for the global event.