ROXAS City – Fifteen volunteer licensed divers from different government and non-government organizations participated in Capiz’s first-ever underwater clean-up drive on May 27 in Barangay Balogo, Pilar town.
The activity dubbed “Sisid Basurero: An Underwater Clean-up Drive” was in line with the Month of the Ocean observance to raise public awareness on the importance of coastal ecosystems.
Based on the Capiz Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (CaPENRO) social media post, the divers gathered various wastes like tin cans, plastic bags, nets and clothes.
“Sisid Basurero” was complimented by a clean-up along the shoreline by other participants who did not join the dive. It collected about 80 kilograms of plastic waste.
The pro-environment initiative was conducted by CaPENRO in partnership with the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office of Pilar through the support of local government units of Carles and Estancia towns in Iloilo, Philippine Coast Guard, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, Capiz Police Provincial Office, Tawi Cares, Capiz Mandaragat, Capiz Emergency Response Team, 4P’s Integrated Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council and Bangon Agojo Fisherfolk Association.
The underwater clean-up was initially scheduled last April at the Napti Island in Panay town in time with the Capiztahan 2022 celebration but was postponed in the aftermath of Tropical Depression Agaton. (PIA Capiz)/PN
