Spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the cleanup spanned 250 coastal sites across the country, aiming to raise awareness about the harmful effects of plastic pollution on marine ecosystems.
From the municipality of Pasuquin in Ilocos to Gian in Socksargen, volunteers collected 352,479 kilograms of waste, primarily plastics.
The number of this year’s volunteers more than doubled from the previous year’s 35,000.
In a statement, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga highlighted the importance of the event, saying, "This year marks a significant milestone as the Philippines affirms its commitment to coastal cleanliness and environmental conservation."
Aligned with the ICC 2024 theme, “Clean Seas for Blue Economy,” Loyzaga said the cleanup aimed not only to address pollution but also to inspire long-term behavioral changes, encouraging communities to adopt sustainable practices.
Data gathered during the cleanup will guide future waste management and resource recovery strategies, according to the DENR. Recyclable trash collected will be brought to Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) for processing.
The International Coastal Cleanup is one of the largest volunteer initiatives globally, involving more than 150 countries and millions of volunteers yearly.
The Philippines started participating in the ICC in 1994, and in 2003, the Philippine government institutionalized the event through Presidential Proclamation 470, designating every third Saturday of September as ICC Day in the country.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has previously identified poor waste disposal and climate change as contributors to the country's severe flooding, stressing the need for better environmental management.
Commending the Filipino spirit of volunteerism, Loyzaga said, "We witnessed incredible dedication today and reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding our marine ecosystems."
As the Philippines celebrates 30 years of ICC participation, the DENR urges the public to continue their environmental stewardship beyond this event.
