ILOILO City – A coastal clean-up drive led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 6 on Earth Day laid bare the persistent pollution problem along Iloilo City’s shoreline, with authorities hauling in 275 kilograms of waste in just a 100-meter stretch — highlighting the scale of environmental neglect despite ongoing awareness campaigns.
Observed every April 22, Earth Day is a global event dedicated to promoting environmental protection and raising awareness of urgent ecological issues such as pollution, climate change, deforestation, and biodiversity loss.
The Earth Day 2026 observance, themed “Our Power, Our Planet,” saw DENR-6, in coordination with the Iloilo City government, conduct a clean-up activity Wednesday morning, April 22, at Barangay Boulevard in Molo district.
The operation, spearheaded by Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Edgardo Rostata and Forester Gloria Flores, officer-in-charge of the Conservation and Development Division (CDD), resulted in the collection of 21 sacks of garbage — mostly plastics and food wrappers — recovered from the coastal area.
The volume of waste gathered in a limited area underscores the continuing challenge of improper waste disposal and the burden it places on marine ecosystems.
Prior to the clean-up, a short program was held where Rostata emphasized the history and significance of Earth Day, stressing the urgency of collective responsibility in protecting the environment.
“We must recognize that environmental protection is a shared responsibility,” Rostata said, as he urged stronger community participation in conservation efforts.
Meanwhile, Grace Catedrilla of the CDD – Coastal Resource and Foreshore Management Section provided practical tips on how individuals, communities, and organizations can help safeguard the environment. She also guided participants on the proper use of the Volunteer Trash Data Form.
Engr. Jeestin Kent Gabinera, Technical Support Specialist of the Coastal and Water Bodies Management Division of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (City ENRO), also conducted an orientation on proper clean-up procedures and safety measures.
The activity formed part of the government’s continuing push to raise environmental awareness, even as the volume of waste collected serves as a stark reminder that behavior on the ground must catch up with advocacy./PN
