SLSU-Bontoc, Partners gather for 2023 International Coastal Cleanup

In partnership with various local government units and student organizations, Southern Leyte State U- Bontoc Campus joined the 2023 International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) last September 16, 2023. The ICC is a global campaign to clean up trash and debris from beaches and waterways every third Saturday of September. The Marine Biology Society of SLSU Bontoc spearheaded activities to promote social responsibility for marine pollution and conserving the marine environment.

The coastal cleanup and marine debris clearing conducted at the municipality of Bontoc yielded 106.40 kilograms of trash. Simultaneously, SKUBAsurero, a Sangguniang Kabataan led-dive cleanup, was done in the municipality of Sogod, participated by Mr. Jimmy E. Salamida, college dean and an advanced open water PADI SCUBA diver, Diver Master Mr. Ryan P. Tomol and several SLSU Bontoc student divers. On both occasions, collected trash was primarily plastic food wrappers and single-use plastic food utensils. Information on these cleanup initiatives was submitted to the ICC to contribute to the world's largest database on marine debris.

A Visual Arts contest was also conducted during the coastal cleanup in Bontoc, where participants from different organizations showcased their artistry in line with the 2023 International Coastal Cleanup theme, "Clean Seas for Healthy Fisheries." The poster-making and digital photography contests were done to increase awareness of the long-standing problem of marine debris and change people's behavior toward patronizing single-use plastics.

Thanks to the estimated 250 volunteers from SLSU Bontoc, LGU Bontoc, LGU Sogod, Bontoc BFP, Sogod PNP, Sogod SK Federation, Dap-ag Boys, Youth for Environment in Schools Organization (YES-O), DECO Warriors, Sogod National High School, student volunteers from SLSU Tomas Oppus Science and Mathematics Society, SLSU-Bontoc Fisheries Society, SES SWAT, and Sunset Creatives, we hope to continue the work towards trash-free seas.