AKLAN — More than 70 sacks of garbage were collected in Boracay Island during a simultaneous coastal and wetlands cleanup led by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Boracay in celebration of World Wetlands Day 2026.
Observed annually every February 2, World Wetlands Day highlights the vital role wetlands play in biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and community livelihoods. This year’s theme, “Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage,” underscores the importance of integrating cultural heritage and local practices in environmental protection.
CENRO Boracay, under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), spearheaded the cleanup across key wetland areas on the island. These included Wetland No. 1 in Barangay Yapak; Wetlands 2 and 4 in Barangay Balabag; and Wetlands 6, 7, 8, and 9 in Barangay Manocmanoc.
A total of 115 participants joined the initiative, representing the Philippine National Police in Malay, the Philippine Coast Guard, the 52nd Air Force Group Reserve, MABOVEN Inc., personnel from the Provincial Local Government Unit of Malay, Cagban Jetty Port staff, local government unit employees, and street cleaners.
Organizers reported that the majority of the collected waste consisted of residual materials—non-biodegradable items that cannot be recycled, reused, or composted—highlighting the continuing challenge of solid waste management in tourist destinations.
DENR-6 emphasized that the activity reflects the power of collaborative environmental stewardship, noting that joint efforts among government agencies, civic groups, and volunteers not only promote cleanliness but also contribute to the protection and restoration of vital ecosystems such as wetlands.
The cleanup forms part of ongoing initiatives to preserve Boracay’s fragile natural resources and sustain its ecological health amid increasing development and tourism activities./PN
