Navotas holds coastal cleanup

The City Government of Navotas held simultaneous coastal cleanup drives in all 18 barangays in celebration of the 2023 International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day.

Some 700 individuals participated in the event including employees from the city government and national government agencies, barangay officials and staff, students, teachers, non-government organizations, and representatives from private institutions.

Mayor John Rey Tiangco emphasized the importance of making it a habit for everyone to participate in community cleanup activities.

“Navotas is a coastal city, and a large portion of our population depends on fishing for their income. Keeping the sea and other bodies of water clean is imperative in helping our kababayans maintain their livelihood. Let us make cleanliness a part of our lifestyle,” he said.

“Our city is the extension of our homes. Just like how we keep our homes in order, let us do our part in maintaining the cleanliness of our communities,” he added.

The City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) also conducted an IEC campaign in all barangays to raise awareness about proper solid waste management and segregation-at-source.

ICC Day is a global event that unites countries and people with the common goal of resolving the growing marine debris problem by maintaining the cleanliness of shorelines, rivers, lakes, and waterways, as well as gathering data on the kind and volume of trash collected. It has been institutionalized by Presidential Proclamation No. 470 on September 15, 2003.

Volunteers are required to submit a copy of the volunteer ocean trash data form to record debris and trash items they have gathered during the event.