Surigao del Norte hosts underwater cleanup

MANILA, Philippines - Volunteer scuba divers from member firms of the Metro Pacific Investment Corp. took the lead last month in the underwater cleanup of the Hinatuan Passage in Surigao City as part of Shore It Up, the conglomerate’s commitment to environmental protection and preservation.

Participated in by some 100 divers from the MVP Group of Companies and host groups, the simultaneous dive and coastal cleanup at the seaside boulevard and dock for outrigger boats yielded more than two tons of garbage, mostly plastic bottles, wrappers, plastic utensils, old clothes and rubber tires.

An award-winning corporate social responsibility program, SIU is so far the biggest underwater cleanup activity in Mindanao, which strengthened the private and private partnership in Surigao del Norte for the environment.

The province has been chosen as the venue for this year’s edition to build on the last Shore It Up held in Del Carmen town in Siargao Island in 2013.

With the endeavor, the Metro Pacific Group hopes to foster a long-term partnership for a positive impact on the environment, economic and socio-cultural life of the province.