CAPIZ — A total of 378.5 kilograms of waste were collected during a coastal clean-up activity conducted in Barangay Buntod, Panay, Capiz, on June 11 as part of the Capiz Provincial Government’s observance of Environment Month.
The activity was spearheaded by the Capiz Provincial Government under the leadership of Gov. Fredenil H. Castro through the Capiz Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (CaPENRO), in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Panay, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO-Panay), and Barangay Buntod officials.
Barangay leaders, environmental advocates, and community volunteers joined the initiative aimed at preserving the municipality’s coastline and protecting its marine ecosystems.
The event opened with a welcome message from Barangay Buntod Captain Felipe Baes, who emphasized the importance of community participation in environmental protection.
“Today, we are not just cleaning our shores; we are sending a message that we care for our environment and future generations,” Baes said.
Capiz Environment and Natural Resources Officer Ronald Allan F. Cullo and MENRO-Panay representative Emmanuel Dulla also addressed the participants, highlighting the growing threats posed by pollution to marine ecosystems and stressing the need for individual responsibility in environmental conservation.
“Environmental stewardship starts at home. Each piece of waste we pick up today contributes to a cleaner tomorrow,” Cullo said.
Armed with gloves and trash bags, volunteers combed the shoreline and collected various types of waste, including plastic bottles, discarded packaging materials, and fishing nets. The volume of trash gathered underscored the continuing challenge of marine pollution and improper waste disposal in coastal communities.
Organizers said the activity not only helped restore the cleanliness of the shoreline but also raised public awareness of the environmental issues affecting marine life and coastal habitats.
The clean-up also served as a reminder of the positive impact communities can make when working together toward a common goal.
The provincial government, together with its partner agencies and local stakeholders, vowed to continue similar environmental initiatives throughout the year to encourage greater public participation in conservation efforts.
“Together, we can make a difference—one clean shoreline at a time,” CaPENRO said in a Facebook post./PN
