Over 107,000 pieces of coastal waste collected across Mimaropa region

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — Environmental volunteers across the Mimaropa region collected over 107,000 pieces of coastal litter during the International Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, September 19, according to organizers.

The simultaneous cleanup effort mobilized more than 6,000 volunteers across Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan, underscoring the scale of marine pollution affecting the region's waterways and shorelines. The provinces have long grappled with waste management challenges as accumulated debris continues washing ashore from upstream sources and maritime activities.

The cleanup initiative, part of a global environmental movement, brings together communities, government agencies, and civil society groups to address one of the region's most pressing environmental concerns. Organizers noted that the collection figures demonstrate both the severity of coastal pollution and the commitment of local stakeholders to combat the problem.

The Mimaropa region, spanning multiple islands and provinces, remains vulnerable to plastic waste and other marine debris that threaten marine biodiversity and coastal livelihoods. Environmental advocates have called for sustained efforts to reduce waste generation at the source while improving waste management infrastructure across the region.

The September cleanup represents one of several annual initiatives aimed at raising awareness about marine conservation and mobilizing community action against coastal pollution.