Manila: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is urging Filipinos to address waste at its source as the country is set to hold the 2026 International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) on Saturday in 17 regions nationwide.
According to Philippines News Agency, DENR Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Rochelle Elena Gamboa emphasized that the annual cleanup should not only focus on collecting trash but also on the potential change the initiative could create. "Cleaner seas begin with responsible waste management at home, in our schools, workplaces, and communities. As we unite under the theme 'Clean Seas for Resilient Communities,' the DENR encourages everyone to take part in this nationwide effort," Gamboa stated.
The DENR expects thousands of volunteers nationwide to clear trash from coastlines, rivers, and waterways. The ICC will unite DENR offices, local government units, communities, volunteers, and private-sector partners in a simultaneous cleanup of marine litter.
The nationwide activity will be spearheaded by the DENR at Baseco Beach in Port Area, Manila as the flagship site, coinciding with the celebration of Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo) 2026. An 'Upcycle and Circularity Expo' will also be held at Baseco Beach, in partnership with companies registered to the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act, including Producer Responsibility Organizations, social enterprises, local micro, small and medium enterprises, and waste-to-resource innovators.
This expo will showcase practical solutions, products, and practices that transform discarded materials into useful products, promoting a more circular approach to managing waste. In Metro Manila, the cleanup will take place at multiple locations including Manila Bay Dolomite Beach along Roxas Boulevard, SM by the Bay in Pasay City, Las Pi±as-Para±aque Wetland Park, Tanza Marine Tree Park, and Bagumbayan North in Navotas City, among others.
Gamboa stressed that the broader goal of the initiative is to have less waste reaching waterways and healthier marine ecosystems. "Let us work together toward a future where there is less waste to collect, healthier marine ecosystems, and communities that are better prepared to face environmental challenges," she added.
