Plastic bottles top Iloilo plogging waste

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Beverage plastic bottles accounted for the largest share of waste collected during the “Plogging for the Planet” activity led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Western Visayas, or DENR 6, on March 31, 2026, at Iloilo River Esplanade 1.

Participants collected 119 beverage plastic bottles, followed by 93 plastic bags, 59 food wrappers, 58 plastic cups and plates, and 36 foam cups and plates.

Unusual items recovered during the activity included a motorcycle helmet, a charger and insulation foam.

In total, participants filled 13 large trash bags with 674 pieces of plastic waste, metals and residual waste.

Through its Regional Youth Desk, DENR 6 organized the activity under the theme “Empowering Women and Youth Through Environmental Action.”

Plogging, an eco-friendly fitness activity that began in Sweden in 2016, combines jogging or walking with picking up litter.

The term “plogging” comes from the Swedish phrase “plocka upp,” which means “pick up,” and the word “jogging.”

DENR 6 Assistant Regional Director for Management Services June Melissa C. Garol and Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Edgardo M. Rostata joined the activity.

Garol reminded DENR 6 employees to stay disciplined and practice the Clean As You Go, or CLAYGO, mantra to promote cleanliness, responsibility and mindfulness in shared spaces.

Rostata said plogging is an important tool for environmental stewardship because the simple act of picking up plastic waste supports environmental sustainability and community well-being.

The activity also highlighted the important role of women and young people in climate advocacy and local conservation efforts.

DENR 6 said the initiative forms part of its broader effort to develop environmentally conscious leaders who see protecting natural resources as a way of life rather than a chore.

The collected waste was turned over properly to the General Services Office of the Iloilo City government for disposal.

The turnover aimed to help keep Iloilo River Esplanade clean for residents and tourists. (DENR-6)