DENR-NCR, DENR Legal Staff, LMB, BMB, BJMP, AND MEO-North collaborate for coastal cleanup at Tanza Marine Tree Park

In a collective effort to mark the World Oceans Day and Philippine Environment Month, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) National Capital Region, Legal Staff,  Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), Land Management Bureau (LMB); Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP); and Metropolitan Environmental Office-North (MEO-North) joined forces for a coastal cleanup on June 7, 2024, at Tanza Marine Tree Park in Tanza, Navotas. This initiative emphasizes the agencies’ commitment to preserving marine ecosystems and promoting environmental awareness.

The program was opened by MEO-North’s OIC Deputy Glenn Gustilo and DENR Undersecretary Ernesto Adobo Jr. Their address highlighted the significance of mangroves within the vicinity of Metro Manila, focusing attention on the imminent threats posed by waste accumulation to these vital ecosystems. The cleanup along the coast covered more than 165 meters, where a total of 248 volunteers from the said government agencies gathered a whopping 2356.93 kilograms of waste, and separated them into groups such as plastics, rubbers, and glass. The large number of volunteers and the amount of waste gathered during the cleaning highlight the concrete benefits of collective effort in protecting our natural environment.

The coordination to organize the coastal cleaning at Tanza Marine Tree Park demonstrates their united dedication to environmental conservation. The event, which is simultaneously conducted in commemoration of World Oceans Day and Philippine Environment Month, emphasized the crucial need of protecting marine habitats and promoting environmental awareness.