In observance of the International Coastal Clean-up (ICC) Day, the Forest and Wetland Research, Development and Extension Center (FWRDEC) joined the CENRO-Bislig in a coastal clean-up drive on September 15, 2023 in some coastal areas of Barangays Poblacion and San Fernando, Bislig City.

Acting CENR Officer of Bislig, Mamerto V. Valbares stressed out that every bottle and every piece of trash that will be collected can lead to a cleaner and healthier water for fishes to thrive, and that cleaning together is an effective way to bring the communities together.

“Ang paglimpyo sa environment makatabang aron himsog ang mga tao. Kung hugaw ang atong coastal areas, dako ang negatibong epekto niini sa ato ug sa atong marine life (Cleaning the environment helps keep people healthy. If our coastal areas are dirty, it will have a big negative impact on us and our marine life)” Mr. Valbares firmly emphasized in line with this year’s ICC theme “Clean Seas for Healthy Fisheries”.

FWRDEC personnel were also joined by the representatives from Barangay Local Government Units of Bislig City, Philippine National Police-Bislig, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-Bislig, Philippine Army, Non-Government Organizations, academe, volunteers, community residents and other government agencies that comprises the 255 participants in attendance.

A total of 34 sacks equivalent to 850 kilos were collected from the coastal areas mentioned.

The International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) day is a global activity that is celebrated annually, every third Saturday of September by virtue of Proclamation No. 470, Series of 2003. Angelina F. Olayan, FWRDEC

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