By Kenneth Marcos 
Before sunrise, groups of students, workers, families, and fisherfolk gathered along the shores of Manila Bay. Armed with gloves, sacks, and hope, they marched not in protest—but in unity, to fight a growing enemy: plastic waste.
On Saturday, September 20, thousands of Filipinos took part in the annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) 2025, a global event dedicated to clearing trash from oceans, rivers, esteros, and waterways. In Metro Manila alone, major cleanup activities were held in Manila Bay, the Pasig River, Marikina River, Tullahan River, and other critical areas.
Nationwide Bayanihan for the Environment
The ICC, organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – National Capital Region (DENR-NCR), brought together volunteers from schools, local government units, private companies, NGOs, and civic groups. From youth groups to elderly citizens, the cleanup saw participation from all walks of life.
“Hindi lang ito tungkol sa kalinisan,” said one volunteer from Pasig. “Ito ay para sa kinabukasan ng mga anak natin. Kung patuloy nating pababayaan ang basura sa ilog at dagat, tayo rin ang kawawa.”
Every third Saturday of September, the ICC is celebrated globally. This year, the Philippines—considered one of the world’s top contributors to ocean plastic waste—once again showed strong commitment to turning the tide.
Why Coastal Cleanups Matter
According to data from Ocean Conservancy, plastic pollution kills hundreds of thousands of marine animals every year. In the Philippines, over 60% of plastic waste ends up in the ocean, clogging waterways and threatening both biodiversity and human health.
“Cleanups alone won’t solve plastic pollution,” DENR-NCR said in a statement, “but they raise awareness and create a culture of accountability. That’s where real change begins.”
During the event, volunteers collected thousands of kilos of trash, most of which were single-use plastics like sachets, bottles, food wrappers, and straws. Items were sorted and logged to help create data-driven solutions for solid waste management.
Unity Through Action
In Las Piñas, students walked hand-in-hand with senior citizens as they cleared esteros behind residential areas. In Navotas, local fishermen worked to remove debris that has long affected fish catch. In Quezon City, families brought their young children to teach them the value of caring for the planet early on.
Many volunteers also shared their cleanup experiences on social media using the hashtags #ICC2025 and #DENRNCR, inspiring others to join the movement.
More Than Just a One-Day Event
Environmental groups remind the public that while ICC is a major yearly event, the real challenge is in building long-term habits. Experts urge households to reduce single-use plastics, segregate waste properly, and support policies for sustainable packaging.
“Walang maliit na ambag kung sabay-sabay tayong kikilos,” said a DENR official. “Ang tunay na laban para sa kalikasan ay araw-araw.”
As the sun set over a cleaner Manila Bay, the message was clear: when Filipinos unite for the environment, change is not just possible—it’s powerful.
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