When Public Service Steps Onto the Shore
OZAMIZ CITY - The cleanup gave government employees a chance to serve outside their usual offices, with personnel distributed among several coastal barangays to gather different kinds of waste along the shoreline. The activity was led locally through SWEMO with the participation of DENR, reflecting the wider spirit of International Coastal Cleanup 2026, which calls on communities and partner organizations to work toward cleaner seas. DENR’s 2026 campaign describes the cleanup as part of a broader movement for cleaner shores and resilient communities. In Ozamiz, that message took a distinctly local form as public servants spent time directly caring for the city’s coastal spaces.
Students Add Energy to the Cleanup
One of the most encouraging parts of the activity was the participation of the academe, with several colleges and universities in Ozamiz sending students to join the coastal cleanup. Their involvement brought young volunteers into an activity where environmental awareness could be expressed through something simple and practical: picking up waste and helping maintain shared spaces. The participation also reflects the collaborative nature of the nationwide cleanup, where government agencies, schools, organizations, and communities can contribute to environmental action. For Ozamiz, having students work alongside government personnel created a visible reminder that caring for the coastline is not limited to one office, profession, or generation.
A Civil Service Celebration With a Purpose
The coastal cleanup also gave the 126th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary a hands-on dimension, connecting the celebration of government service with an activity that benefits the wider community. The Civil Service Commission’s 2026 anniversary theme, “Bawat Kawani, Lingkod Bayani: Puso, Dangal, at Galing Para sa Bayan,” emphasizes commitment, responsibility, and meaningful public service. The CSC has encouraged government agencies to conduct activities throughout September that recognize the contribution of public servants while strengthening collaboration and service. In Ozamiz, the coastal cleanup offered a fitting example of that spirit: employees, students, and community participants sharing the work of keeping the city’s shores cleaner and cared for.
