6,000 join coastal cleanup at Baseco

MANILA, Philippines — Six thousand volunteers picked up waste and debris washed ashore along Baseco Beach in Tondo, Manila, as they join in the 41st International Coastal Cleanup yesterday.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources designated Baseco Beach as the DENR flagship cleanup site in the country. At least 291 other areas were identified for marine waste-clearing operations.

“Cleanup begins with simple choices to refuse what we do not need, segregate properly, reuse what we can and dispose of what remains responsibly. When millions of Filipinos make responsible choices every day, we create lasting changes,” DENR Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna said in a statement.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno expressed his support for the cleanup, emphasizing the role of proper solid waste management and reduction of single-use plastics.

“When waste goes to the sea, it does not only affect nature (but also) our health, livelihood and future of our children. We’re here to take action because we know that garbage doesn’t just disappear on its own,” Moreno said.