LAPU-LAPU CITY — The city's participation in the International Coastal Cleanup 2026 on September 19 resulted in the removal of 12,334.40 kilograms of trash from its coastlines. The massive haul underscored both the scale of marine pollution and the growing public commitment to protecting the city's shores.
A Massive Volunteer Turnout
The cleanup mobilized 6,800 volunteers from various stakeholder groups, alongside city government employees. A total of 91 partner organizations and institutions participated across 15 designated coastal cleanup areas. These covered mainland barangays and island communities including Olango, Pangan-an, Caohagan, and Caubian.
The activity was complemented by the Scubasurero underwater cleanup, which involved 100 volunteer divers. Based on the final consolidated report from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region VII and the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, volunteers collected a total of 1,779 sacks of mixed waste.
Single-Use Plastics Dominate the Haul
The data revealed that single-use plastics remained the most common type of marine litter collected. Food wrappers topped the list at 12,747 pieces, followed by other plastic bags at 6,841. Plastic grocery bags totaled 6,584, while plastic beverage bottles reached 5,666.
Beverage sachets and pouches accounted for 4,520 pieces, with plastic cups and plates at 4,383. Plastic bottle caps numbered 3,551, and plastic food containers totaled 3,463. Plastic and foam pieces reached 3,096, while detergent and shampoo sachets added 2,813 to the tally.
The results highlighted the volume of recoverable and residual waste that could have reached the sea. Such pollution poses serious risks to marine life, fisherfolk livelihoods, and the city's tourism industry. The cleanup prevented these materials from causing further environmental harm.
Underwater Cleanup Adds to Impact
The Scubasurero component brought the cleanup beneath the waves, where 100 volunteer divers retrieved submerged debris. Underwater waste often goes unnoticed but can be equally destructive to coral reefs and marine habitats. The divers' efforts complemented the shoreline collection.
CENRO Officer-in-Charge Jocelyn Abayan noted that the significant increase in trash volume reflected both the amount of waste recovered and the growing public concern for the city's coastlines. She acknowledged that the number of volunteers doubled this year, which contributed to the larger haul.
Plans for Stronger Waste Management
CENRO will build on the results of ICC 2026 by strengthening its information, education, and communication campaigns. The office will continue enforcing regulations on single-use plastics and the Lapu-Lapu City Ordinance on waste management.
Abayan added that the city will intensify IEC programs on waste segregation, especially for residents in coastal barangays. These efforts aim to reduce the amount of trash reaching the sea in the first place. Prevention remains the most sustainable solution to marine pollution.
A Collective Victory for the Environment
Lapu-Lapu City stands in solidarity with DENR Region VII, Ocean Conservancy, International Coastal Cleanup Philippines, and its environmental partners. The 12-ton collection demonstrates the impact of collective community action in protecting coastlines and promoting cleaner, more resilient communities.
