LAPU-LAPU CITY — The City Government of Lapu-Lapu is rallying volunteer divers for Scubasurero 2026, an underwater cleanup drive set for September 19, 2026, at 8:00 AM at The Mactan Newtown Beach. The initiative forms part of the International Coastal Cleanup celebration.
A Call to the Diving Community
Mayor Cindi King Chan and Congressman Junard "Ahong" Chan, through the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, are inviting licensed divers to join the effort. Scubasurero focuses on removing marine debris from coastal waters to protect marine ecosystems and keep shorelines healthy.
The city is still accepting volunteer divers willing to take the plunge. Participants will work beneath the surface to extract accumulated waste that threatens marine life. Their efforts will directly contribute to cleaner seas and more resilient coastal communities.
What Volunteers Need to Know
Interested divers must be licensed or certified. They are required to bring their own diving gear, tanks, and weights. Volunteers are subject to confirmation, and only confirmed participants will be notified with further instructions.
Registration is done online through the official link or QR code provided by the city. The process ensures organizers can properly coordinate logistics and safety measures. The city reminds participants that this is a serious environmental operation requiring proper preparation.
Partnerships Power the Cleanup
Scubasurero 2026 is conducted with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Central Visayas, the City Tourism Office, Megaworld, The Mactan Newtown, The Mactan Newtown Beach, Savoy Hotel, Feel Deep, and International Coastal Cleanup Philippines.
These partnerships bring together government agencies, private companies, and environmental organizations. Their combined resources and expertise ensure the cleanup is safe, effective, and well-organized. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to marine conservation.
Beyond the Cleanup
The International Coastal Cleanup is one of the world's largest volunteer efforts for marine conservation. Presidential Proclamation No. 470 designates the third Saturday of September as cleanup day. Lapu-Lapu City joins this global movement annually under the theme "Clean Seas for Resilient Communities."
The city-wide effort spans 15 designated areas, covering mainland barangays and island communities. Volunteers can choose from Poblacion, Pajo, Pusok, Maribago, Agus, and Punta Engaño. Olango Island and its islets also serve as deployment sites.
A Data-Driven Environmental Effort
Beyond collecting trash, the cleanup is a crucial data-gathering exercise. Volunteers document the types and amounts of marine debris they find. This citizen-science approach provides valuable information for researchers and policymakers.
The data helps trace how trash enters waterways and informs strategies to stop pollution at its source. Each participant contributes to long-term solutions, not just immediate cleanups. The initiative transforms a day of service into a significant contribution to environmental science.
Dive with a Purpose
The city encourages divers and volunteers to register early and be part of this collective effort. Every dive made during Scubasurero counts toward cleaner seas and stronger communities. Protecting the coastline is protecting the city's future.
