The Department of Environment and Natural Resources spearheaded a simultaneous coastal cleanup nationwide in celebration of the International Coastal Cleanup Day held on September 20, 2025.
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Across 298 cleanup sites, the DENR, together with thousands of partner organizations, collected nearly 460,000 kilograms of waste– a massive weight taken off from our oceans and shorelines in just a single day. This is through the collective effort of 86,000 volunteers nationwide. 

The ICC is the largest volunteer movement for the environment and is held every Third Saturday of September every year. It plays a crucial role in raising awareness about the environmental impact of marine debris, engaging communities, and promoting sustainable practices.

According to Ariz Abad, Head of the DENR-NCR Regional Strategic Communications and Initiatives Group, the ICC is not just about collecting trash, but also about instilling responsibility among citizens.

“We have to teach people to be committed environmental stewards—not just during coastal cleanup drives, but also by practicing proper segregation and disposal of trash in offices, schools, and at home,” Abad said.

He also emphasized that improper solid waste management leads to biodiversity loss in rivers and seas, while also posing risks to public health.

Meanwhile, the ICC celebration does more than just remove trash—it also documents waste and debris through a “trash audit.” This provides statistics on the types of waste that end up in oceans and waterways.

‍“All the data gathered will be used in policy-making to address the country’s waste problem,” Abad explained.