PASAY CITY – An estimated 435 kilograms of waste materials were collected in the one-day coastal cleanup conducted by the dedicated employees of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) in the Las Piñas–Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA) last 8 May 2023.
The clean-up activity was conducted with the objective of educating and motivating the Authority’s employees in maintaining the coastal lines neat and clean and to avoid further pollution of any marine environment through man-made activities.
The LPPCHEA, also known as the Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park, is a protected area at the coasts of the cities of Las Piñas and Parañaque in Metro Manila, Philippines. The entire wetland is a declared Ramsar site under the Ramsar Convention of UNESCO. Besides its amazing view consisting of mangroves, ponds, lagoons, mudflats, and a mix of beach forests all over LPPCHEA, it also acts as one of our country’s natural defense against disasters.
PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga warmly acknowledged and expressed gratitude to the 82 PEZA volunteers who participated in the clean-up activity. This initiative is part of the Authority’s efforts to promote environmental protection.
Before the start of the cleanup, the DG emphasized the Authority’s commitment to President Marcos’ 8-point Socio-Economic Agenda, particularly in pursuing a green economy and establishing livable and sustainable communities. He stated, “Thanks to all your efforts, we are one step closer to a cleaner, more sustainable, and healthier environment. Kaya natin!”.
While the amount of trash collected is a significant achievement for PEZA employees, the same should also be a cause for concern. Out of the total waste accumulated, plastic was the most prevalent, filling 26 sacks. Styrofoam ranked second with 21 sacks, followed by PET bottles with 13 sacks. Rubber accounted for 12 sacks, while glass had the lowest amount of waste with only 3 sacks. This distribution highlights the long journey ahead in achieving zero waste along our coastlines and elsewhere. Nonetheless, PEZA remains optimistic. By conducting activities such as coastal clean-ups more frequently and continuing the Agency’s efforts to encourage PEZA-registered businesses and investors to adopt waste-reducing strategies and sustainable practices, a greener Philippines will eventually be realized.
