By Kenneth Marcos 
MANILA – Under the early morning sun, thousands of volunteers lined up along Baseco Beach on September 20, armed with gloves, sacks, and a shared hope—to help clean the coast and protect the ocean.
In celebration of International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) 2025, more than 7,000 volunteers from government agencies, the private sector, local communities, and schools came together for a massive cleanup operation in the heart of Manila. Led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – National Capital Region (DENR-NCR) and supported by the Department of Public Services (DPS)–Manila, the event carried the theme “Clean Seas Against the Climate Crisis.”
The coastal cleanup aimed to raise awareness about marine pollution and promote unity in facing the growing threats of climate change. Volunteers picked up litter scattered along the shoreline—plastic bags, food wrappers, bottles, Styrofoam, and other household waste often washed up from esteros and drainage systems.
According to initial reports from DENR-NCR and DPS-Manila, an estimated 1,500 sacks of garbage, weighing about 30,000 kilos, were collected from the Baseco coastline alone.
Government and Local Leaders Show Support
Several high-ranking DENR officials personally took part in the activity, including Undersecretary Atty. Juan Miguel T. Cuna, OIC Assistant Secretary and EMB Director Jacqueline A. Caancan, and Regional Executive Director Atty. Michael Drake P. Matias of DENR-NCR.
In her remarks, Ms. Kayle Nicole Amurao, Chief of Staff of the Office of the Secretary to the Mayor of Manila, emphasized the importance of active participation from local governments in environmental efforts.
“Walang sinuman ang kayang harapin ang hamon ng climate crisis nang mag-isa,” said Atty. Cuna. He stressed that tackling environmental problems requires cooperation among the government, private sector, academic institutions, and everyday Filipinos. “Bawat volunteer, bawat basurang makokolekta, at bawat positibong aksyon ay mahalagang hakbang tungo sa mas malinis na karagatan at mas ligtas na kinabukasan para sa lahat,” he added.
Vice Mayor Angela Lei “Chi” Atienza also delivered a message and led the ceremonial launch of the cleanup. She spoke about the serious challenges facing coastal communities, especially pollution and the impact of climate change.
A Shared Responsibility for the Seas
The event was organized by the Manila Bay Site Coordinating/Management Office under DENR-NCR. ICC 2025 highlighted the growing public support for environmental protection and emphasized that addressing the climate crisis must go hand in hand with caring for the oceans.
In recent years, Baseco Beach has become a symbol of both environmental degradation and hope for recovery. Through events like ICC, ordinary Filipinos are given the chance to take part in nation-building by contributing to something as simple—but as powerful—as cleaning up.
Every piece of trash removed from the shore is one less threat to marine life. Every volunteer is a reminder that real change can happen when people work together.
As the climate crisis continues to affect communities—through stronger typhoons, rising seas, and food insecurity—the fight for clean oceans becomes even more urgent. Coastal cleanups are no longer just symbolic. They are now vital steps in protecting lives, livelihoods, and the country’s future.
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