A RECORD-BREAKING 74,075 volunteers gathered across the Philippines on Saturday, September 21, to participate in the annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), collecting a total of 352,479 kilograms of solid waste from shorelines stretching from Ilocos to Socksargen.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) organized the event as part of its advocacy to raise awareness about the detrimental impact of plastic pollution on marine life and ecosystems.
This year’s participation far surpassed the 35,000 volunteers who took part in 2023. The volunteers hailed from various government agencies, academic institutions, and private sector organizations.
DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga lauded the event as a “significant milestone” that reaffirms the Philippines’ commitment to coastal cleanliness and environmental conservation.