ZAMBOANGA CITY (September 21) — More than 3,600 volunteers hauled nearly 10 metric tons of garbage from coastal and waterway areas across the Zamboanga Peninsula as communities joined the 2026 International Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, September 19.
The 3,635 volunteers collected about 1,384 sacks or trash bags weighing an estimated 9,952.58 kilograms from 32 cleanup sites, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Zamboanga Peninsula.
The cleanup was led by DENR-Zamboanga Peninsula in partnership with national government agencies, local government units, schools, civic and private organizations, uniformed personnel and community groups.
Held under the theme “Clean Seas for Resilient Communities,” the activity was also part of the 2026 Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA Mo).
Among the most common wastes recovered were plastic wrappers and bags, PET bottles, food packaging, used tires and fishing-related materials, DENR said.
The collected waste was turned over to concerned LGUs and partner organizations for segregation, recovery, diversion and proper disposal.
More cleanup sites, more waste sources
This year’s cleanup covered 32 sites, up from 20 sites in 2025, expanding the reach of the annual campaign across the region.
DENR, however, cautioned against interpreting the increased volume of collected waste as a direct measure of whether marine pollution had worsened or improved.
The wider coverage in 2026, along with differences in the types and quantities of waste found at individual sites, makes year-to-year comparisons of the collected volume difficult.
Instead, the agency said the results point to the continuing need to prevent waste from reaching waterways and coastal areas in the first place.
This includes stronger waste segregation and disposal practices, recycling and recovery programs, community education and better management of waste generated in inland communities.
The annual cleanup, DENR said, is therefore not only a waste-removal activity but also a reminder that protecting coastal and marine resources requires sustained action from government, communities, businesses, schools and other stakeholders.
For the Zamboanga Peninsula, the nearly 10 tons collected in a single day also highlight the amount of solid waste that can accumulate along waterways and coastal areas—and the need to address its sources beyond the shoreline.
