Over 1,000 Volunteers Join Coastal and Urban Cleanup in Caraga; 2.5 Metric Tons of Waste Collected

By Kemberly Resentes | Mindanao People’s Press 

BUTUAN CITY — More than 1,000 volunteers across the Caraga Region rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty during a massive coastal and urban cleanup drive held Thursday, resulting in the collection of at least 2.5 metric tons of waste.

The simultaneous cleanup, spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-13), was in celebration of two important global observances: the Month of the Ocean and the International Day for Biological Diversity.

Covering a total of 5.9 kilometers of shoreline and urban zones across Caraga’s five provinces including Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, and the Dinagat Islands the activity reflected the growing community driven movement to protect the region’s rich natural resources.

“This massive participation showed our communities’ unwavering commitment to safeguarding marine biodiversity,” said DENR-13 Executive Director Hadja Didaw Piang-Brahim in a statement. “It’s a proud moment for Caraga.”

Volunteers collected an estimated 321 sacks of garbage including plastic bottles, rubber scraps, metal fragments, and other non-biodegradable waste much of it gathered from critical habitats like Siargao’s island barangays and key river systems on the mainland.

Environmental advocates and partner organizations joined the effort, which highlighted how collective action can make a significant impact in restoring and protecting the ecosystem.

The United Nations, in a related statement, emphasized the urgent need to re-examine humanity's connection with nature. “Despite all our technological progress, we remain completely dependent on healthy and vibrant ecosystems for water, food, medicines, clothing, fuel, shelter, and energy,” the UN said. “This involves respecting, protecting, and repairing our biological wealth.”

With ocean health directly tied to climate resilience and food security, local officials say activities like these are not just symbolic  they are vital.

“We need to make this a habit, not just a celebration,” said one youth participant from Surigao. “Nature gives us so much. It’s time we give back.”

(Source: PNA, DENR 13)