CAPIZ— In celebration of the Month of the Ocean (MOO), the provincial government, through the Capiz Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (CaPENRO), spearheaded an underwater and coastal clean-up in Sitio Culasi, Barangay Lonoy, Sapian town.
The activity drew 74 volunteers, who collected a total of 191 kilograms of waste from the area. The activity involved an underwater clean-up of Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS)—locally dubbed “Scubasurero”—along with coral bleaching monitoring in the coastal water of the said barangay. A simultaneous coastal clean-up was also conducted along the shoreline of Sitio Culasi.
This environmental effort was carried out in collaboration with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Capiz and the municipal government of Sapian
According to DENR Capiz information officer Ma. Judy Bernas, the activity’s highlight was the “Scubasurero” underwater cleanup targeting COTS, a type of marine invertebrate that poses a threat to coral reefs due to their destructive feeding habits.
Ernest C. Federiso, OIC Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer for DENR-Capiz, emphasized the vital role of coastal and marine ecosystems in providing food security, oxygen, and regulating the planet’s climate. He noted that individual actions, no matter how small, contribute significantly to protecting the oceans, which cover three-fourths of the Earth’s surface and generate 80 percent of the world’s oxygen.
The MOO celebration aimed to raise awareness on the conservation and protection of marine resources. During the event, Jean Carla Ibanez, DENR’s Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Management Program coordinator, shared insights on Republic Act No. 9003, also known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, stressing the importance of proper waste segregation and disposal in preventing marine pollution.
With the theme “Unlock Ocean-Based Solutions to Climate Change: Karagatan ang Solusyon,” the activity promoted partnerships with both environmental and educational sectors, highlighting shared responsibility and collaboration as keys to effective marine conservation.
“The debris collected consisted of grocery bags, plastic and glass beverage bottles, tin cans, styrofoam food containers, food wrappers, straws, fishing lines and nets, diapers, clothing, footwear, cigarette butts, and even a busted lightbulb,” said Ibanez. “This highlights the persistent issue of solid waste pollution in our coastal areas.”
As the Philippines remains among the world’s top contributors to marine plastic pollution, CaPENRO information officer Wilmon Alinsangan expressed hope that this initiative would help inspire long-term behavioral change toward responsible waste management and environmental stewardship./PN
