THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Office kicked off the 2023 Consumer Welfare Month through a coastal cleanup on Manapa shroes, Buenavista, Agusan del Norte on October 3, 2023.
With a strong commitment to sustainability, the activity gathered 100 volunteers from diverse age groups and backgrounds including private businesses, civic organizations, and youth groups, including Prince Hypermart Buenavista, Agusan Centennial Legacy Lions Club, Butuan Golden Hearts Lions Club, Konsumador Hong Butuan Inc. (KHBI), Crimebusters-Butuan Chapter, and Rotaract Club of Central Butuan-Caraga State University Chapter.
Equipped with gloves and trash bags, these volunteers were determined to rid the shoreline of plastic bottles, bags, and other non-biodegradable debris, including microplastics.
"DTI-ADN is committed to securing a sustainable future for Agusan del Norte and setting an inspiring example for communities. The Manapa coastal cleanup not only celebrated consumer welfare but also nurtured a deeper sense of environmental responsibility among consumers, encouraging them to become stewards of the environment," Provincial Director Lorijane Sacote said.
Sacote also underscored that the activity demonstrated the power of collective action and highlighted the potential of each individual to effect positive environmental change.
"The unity of Agusan del Norte's communities for a shared environmental cause showcased the remarkable potential of grassroots initiatives for sustainable living," she added.
The initiative received support from the Barangay Council of Manapa, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Caraga (DENR-Caraga), and the City Environment and Natural Resources (CENR) Office of Nasipit and Buenavista. These organizations participated in raising awareness on sustainable environmental practices and responsible consumption.
"We are grateful to DTI-ADN for this environmental initiative, and as expected, it was a successful event," said Nora Rama, a board director of KHBI.
Jocelyn Yee of the Agusan Centennial Legacy Lions Club also shared that the activity was fun for they had a chance to connect with nature and with the other participants as they create digital content during the activity.
As a gesture of appreciation, the Agusan Centennial Legacy Lions Club also distributed 100 pairs of slippers to all coastal cleanup volunteers.
This year's CWM theme, "Generation S: Generation Sustainable," underscores the pressing need for consumers to become environmental stewards in the face of mounting climate change and pollution challenges. (PR)