CITY OF SAN FERNANDO -- The cleanup drives led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Central Luzon have yielded some 1,600 sacks of waste collected from different areas.

This drive is in support of the annual observance of World Ocean Day celebration.

More than 1,000 environment workers, local government officials, uniformed personnel, members of the academe, volunteers, and private sector representatives participated in the massive cleanup in Baler and Dilasag in Aurora; Mariveles in Bataan; San Miguel and cities of Meycauayan and Baliuag in Bulacan; Cabanatuan City in Nueva Ecija; Angeles City and City of San Fernando in Pampanga; Bamban, Capas, Victoria, Mayantoc and Tarlac City in Tarlac; and Botolan, Palauig and Olongapo City in Zambales.

Collected wastes were mostly composed of single-use plastic bags, styrofoam, food wrappers, plastic bottles, cans, and sachets.

World Ocean Day is celebrated every June 8 to remind people of the importance of oceans in human life.

It highlights the importance of conserving and restoring oceans and reiterates the need to ensure the sustainable management of coastal and marine ecosystems.

In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly resolved that June 8 would be designated as “World Ocean Day” through General Assembly resolution 63/111.

The theme for this year is “"Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing,” which serves as a reminder of the interconnection of all life on Earth and the need for sustainable practices to safeguard oceans for the future.