THE BaiAni Foundation, in partnership with Kennemer Eco Solutions, Tonggo nang Kagul’langan, and Tantara, conducted a massive cleanup drive that swept across the entire province of Davao Oriental in celebration of World Clean Up Day last Saturday, September 16, 2023.
The event gathered over 200 volunteers and collected a total number of 169 sacks of mixed waste composed of scrap plastics, glass bottles, cellophane, used clothes, cigarette packs, and dried branches.
Ridge to reef cleanup effort
This collaborative effort brought together volunteers, environmental enthusiasts, and concerned citizens eager to make a tangible difference in their local environment. The cleanup operation spanned the province’s mountainous ridges to its coastal reefs.
Over the course of the day, the team successfully gathered 167 sacks of mixed waste materials. These waste materials were painstakingly collected from various locations within the province, each contributing to the overall effort to restore and preserve the natural beauty of Davao Oriental.
A breakdown of collected waste
The cleanup yielded a substantial quantity of waste from different areas across the province, with each site making a significant contribution to the cause. The cleanup drives were led by
Tonggo nang Kagul’langan and facilitated by the Community Conservation Facilitator of BaiAni Foundation. Here is a breakdown of the waste collected from each waste collection site.
Brgy. Caatijan, Boston – A total of 20 sacks of mixed wastes (biodegradable and residual wastes) collected. Over 20 participants from the Tonggo nang Kagul’langan (Forest Guards), IPS, and PLGU workers participated in the cleanup drive.
Brgy. San Pedro, Caraga – Some 10 sacks of mixed wastes (plastics, bottles, and cellophane) equaling 47 kg. The cleanup drive in the area was participated by over 50 participants.
Brgy. San Ignacio, Manay – Eight sacks of mixed wastes were collected in the coastal area of San Ignacio.
Brgy. Tomaong, Tarragona – A total of 10 sacks of mixed waste were collected weighing 37 kgs.
Brgy. Taguibo and Tagbinunga, Mati City – Two cleanup drives were conducted in Mati City. In Brgy. Taguibo, almost 60 individuals participated in the activity where the group was able to collect 10 sacks of mixed wastes. In Brgy. Tagbinunga, over 30 participants joined the event, where they were able to collect 15 sacks of waste.
Brgy. Calapagan, Lupon – A total of 12 sacks of mixed wastes weighing 45 kg were collected in Calapagan. The majority of wastes collected were residual wastes.
Brgy. Mahayag and Maputi, Banaybanay – In the two cleanup drives conducted in Banaybanay, 39 sacks of mixed waste were collected. Residual wastes composed of collected weighed 36 kg.
Brgy. Tagabebe and Pundaquitan, Governor Generoso – Governor Generoso conducted two cleanup drives focused on the coastal areas. The group was able to collect 45 sacks of waste.
“This event highlights the commitment of BaiAni, KenEco, and its community partners in environmental protection. With more activities like this, we hope to foster a sense of volunteerism and active involvement in environmental activities and initiatives. Indeed, there is power in number, and we can do more if we work together to clean up and fight against climate change as a whole,” Maje Egento, Senior Technical Officer of BaiAni Foundation, said.
The collected wastes were coordinated properly with relevant stakeholders and agencies for proper disposal. The event saw participation from different stakeholders from the IP communities, barangay government units, the Philippine National Police, barangay health workers, and others.
The collective efforts of the BaiAni Foundation, Kennemer Eco Solutions, Tonggo nang Kagul’langan, and Tantara, with the support from Gerry Roxas Foundation, serve as a powerful testament to the importance of community-driven initiatives in environmental conservation. World Clean Up Day provided the perfect backdrop for these organizations to unite to create a cleaner, healthier, and more vibrant Davao Oriental. PR