Laoag: Plogging, a fitness craze that combines walking, jogging, and picking up trash, reached the unique terrain of the Laoag sand dunes on Tuesday. Villagers and volunteers worked together to advocate love for nature and proper waste management.

According to Philippines News Agency, Mylene Isabel Pascual of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office stated that the activity marked the start of a sustained effort in environmental preservation in the city. “The activity is a shining example of the city’s commitment to being ‘alisto’ (alert) in protecting its natural treasures, leading to ‘asenso’ (progress), and ultimately ensuring long-term progress for all its citizens,” Pascual said.

The event, named “Alisto Plogging Laoag,” aimed to inspire both children and adults to discover the beauty of nature, enjoy exercise, and contribute to environmental protection. A typical plog can vary from two to four miles on average, with trash collected during the activity segregated and disposed of in a sanitary landfill.

Christine Joy Salvador, a resident who volunteered for the activity, used social media to call for proper waste management following her plogging experience. “As more and more volunteers dedicate their time to cleanups, we hope that, as a community, we will all become more responsible with our wastes,” she said in a Facebook post featuring photos of plastic litter strewn across the dunes.

Pascual explained that the sand dunes were chosen as the venue to maximize the impact of the plogging activity. Participants included Philippine Coast Guard personnel who incorporated bending, squatting, and stretching into the main actions of running, hiking, or walking.