La Union Coastal, “SCUBAsurero” Underwater Clean-up Activity Conducted
By: Camille R. Bumatay, PIO and Grace Libong, GPC-ENRO | Photos By: Sonny Buenaventura and Jefferson Lorenzo, PIO | Date: September 18, 2021
Kaprobinsiaan, we have joined the whole world in the celebration of the International Coastal Clean-up Day as we have initiated our very own La Union Coastal and “SCUBAsurero” Underwater Clean-up Activity on September 18, 2021.
Together with our partners from the Philippine National Police and Municipal and Barangay Local Government Unit of Santo Tomas, La Union, we have cleared the coastal Barangays of Baybay, Cabaroan and Narvacan of the said town.
With wider scope and more volunteers for the activity this year, we have amassed a total of 154kg of residual waste. 147kg of which was collected from the 5km stretch of the beach area while 7kg of garbage were collected underwater.
We have gathered common items such as single-use plastics including food wrappers, grocery bags, straws, plastic beverage bottle and caps and cigarette butts and lighter. Also observed and picked by volunteers were discarded fishing gears including ropes and fishing nets. Smaller wastes such as foam, glass and plastic pieces were also noted. Unusual items in the area included used diapers, rubber slippers and disposable facemasks which poses health risks. After the activity, we handed all collected wastes to barangay official for proper disposal.
Finally, to complement the coastal clean-up activity, we have also conducted a beach planting activity where we have planted 250 seedlings of Bittaog Trees to increase vegetation in coastal areas and to serve as protection from erosion.
Throughout the activity, we have observed the minimum health standards to ensure the safety of all the participants.
It is essential that amidst the situation brought by the CoViD-19 pandemic, we remain steadfast in fulfilling our roles as environmental stewards as we continue to choose #KalikasanNaman.
