ANTIQUE — Hundreds of Antiqueños joined forces on September 20 to protect local marine resources and keep the province’s coasts clean in celebration of the 2025 International Coastal Cleanup.
Government agencies here and students from Saint Anthony’s College gathered at the Barangay 4 esplanade in San Jose de Buenavista, a popular local hangout, to participate in the cleanup drive.
“Wara ron ako namag-o kay ang Barangay 4, pirme lang duro nga tahu para lang magbulig kanamun sa pagpanglimpyo kang amun baybayun,” shared Punong Barangay Evelio Delos Reyes, expressing gratitude for the community’s active involvement.
The International Coastal Cleanup is a worldwide annual event that mobilizes millions of volunteers to remove trash and debris from beaches and waterways, raise awareness about marine pollution, and promote long-term solutions for healthier oceans.
With this year’s theme, “Turning the Tide on Ocean Trash,” the lead agency, Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO), emphasized the importance of safeguarding marine resources and maintaining safe and clean recreational areas.
“Ang atun baybayun sangka area man, kon diin gina-designate natun nga recreational area natun. So, it should be safe and clean for swimming and other recreational activities,” said ENRO head Ma. Vivian Marfil, underscoring the need to protect the coastline.
Beyond the one-day event, Marfil encouraged communities and barangay officials to make coastal cleanups a regular practice to ensure the sustainable protection of Antique’s coasts./PN
