THE City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (Clenro) held over the weekend a massive cleanup in the coastal areas of Cagayan de Oro from Barangays Bulua to Bugo to mark the International Coastal Cleanup Day (ICC) on September 15.
Elvisa Mabelin, head of the Solid Waste Management Division, said tons of garbage were collected by various organizations during the cleanup activity, which started around 6 a.m.
The international simultaneous event was held in the mountains, watersheds, coastal areas, river systems, major thoroughfares, parks, drainage, river banks, beach areas, and offices.
Mabelin said the event was successful, but she urged the public that every day should be cleanup day and develop the habit to reduce, reuse and recycle any plastic materials they use.
She said when going to the beach, everyone should be responsible for their waste and should work hard to leave no trace.
Presidential Proclamation 470 declares the third Sunday of September of each year as the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day in observance of the Global Coastal Cleanup celebrations.
International Coastal Cleanup is the largest volunteer effort for ocean's health as people gather on beaches, coasts, rivers, waterways and underwater dive sites to remove trash and record information on the debris collected.
Results will aid in better waste management policies/plans, product packaging designs and in stirring environmental consciousness among the people.