The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has intensified its cleanup efforts in the 610-kilometer coastline of Central Luzon.

It seeks to protect coastal ecosystems and marine life against water pollution by removing trash and debris from beaches, river systems, waterways and other water bodies. 

DENR Regional Executive Director Paquito Moreno Jr. said that aside from the Manila Bay Cleanup and Rehabilitation Program that focuses on cleaning river systems, the Coastal and Marine Ecosystems Management Program (CMEMP) was also a vital tool of the government in protecting coastal and marine resources. 

“Through CMEMP, about 37,170 kilograms of mixed wastes were collected from coastal cleanup activities conducted last year in Aurora, Bulacan, Bataan, Pampanga, and Zambales,” he shared.

Relative to this, Moreno appealed to the public to keep coastal areas plastic-free by practicing proper waste segregation at home and reducing utilization of single-used plastics. 

DENR records show that most of the waste collected from coastal areas are composed of cigarette butts and single-used plastics, such as food wrappers, pet bottles, straws, and plasticwares. (PIA 3)