243 kilos of waste collected in Siocon coastal clean-up

A TOTAL of 23 sacks weighing 243 kilograms of waste were collected during a coastal clean-up drive in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte, an environment official said.

The coastal clean-up was conducted on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the coast of Latabon village, Siocon, in line with the observance of Ocean Month 2025.

The coastal clean-up activity gathered 88 volunteers from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro)-Siocon led by Rey Jalandoni.

The other participants are personnel from the Siocon Municipal Police Station, Philippine Coast Guard-Siocon Substation, Latabon village officials and workers, and members of the JSMCHS-Youth for Environment in Schools Organization (YES-O).

They collected various types of waste along the coastline, including fishing gear, plastic materials, and sanitary items, which pose risks to marine life and coastal areas.

“The activity shows the strength of community cooperation and the responsibility to protect marine resources,” Jalandoni, head of Cenro-Siocon, said in a statement.

“Together, we’re addressing ocean pollution,” Jalandoni added.

Meanwhile, he encouraged the public to continue supporting to environmental efforts beyond Ocean Month and urges the public to remain involved in protecting marine ecosystems.

The Philippines celebrates Ocean Month every May. The month is dedicated to highlighting the importance of ocean conservation and sustainable management of marine resources.

This year’s Ocean Month celebration is anchored on the theme “Unlock Ocean-Based Solutions to Climate Change: Karagatan ang Solusyon.” (SunStar Zamboanga)