By Xander Ledesma
Volunteers from various sectors in Bacolod City participated in a coastal cleanup on Saturday, organized by Advocates for Zero Emissions and Sustainability for Waste and Ocean (AZES WAO) in partnership with Bacolod Sectoral Youth Affairs and other organizations.
Participants included members from FAST Central College Environmental Club, Supreme Student Government, and STI College of Education, among others. The cleanup focused on removing waste from the coastline, including plastics, fishing nets, glass bottles, and other debris that pose risks to marine ecosystems.
The initiative aimed to address ocean pollution and raise awareness about its effects on marine life. Volunteers collected significant amounts of trash, much of which consisted of single-use plastics. These pollutants are known to harm marine animals and coral reefs when they reach the ocean.
The event also served as a platform to educate participants on sustainable practices and the environmental impact of improper waste disposal. Organizers highlighted the importance of reducing single-use plastics and adopting eco-friendly habits.
Bacolod City’s coastal cleanup aligns with ongoing efforts to protect marine ecosystems and promote environmental responsibility. The activity demonstrated the community’s commitment to improving the condition of local beaches and reducing pollution.