The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Bicol (DENR-5) said Monday a total of 1,395 sacks of solid waste weighing 8,180 kilograms were collected by 6,223 volunteers across the six provinces in the region during the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day celebration over the weekend.

The garbage collected consisted of grocery bags, beverage bottles, cans, caps, cigarette butts, plastic straws, cups and utensils, food and candy wrappers, Styrofoam, lids, fishing lines and nets, rope, diapers, slippers, tires, clothing, e-cigarettes, toy plushies, and parts of appliances.

In a statement, DENR-Bicol Regional Executive Director Francisco E. Milla Jr. said the department’s continued dedication to environmental preservation and the battle against marine pollution, is a year-round effort.

“Let us use this momentum to inspire behavior change—whether through proper waste management or advocating for policies that protect our seas. Remember, the goal is not just to clean but to prevent waste from reaching our oceans in the first place,” Milla said.

Under Presidential Proclamation 470, s. 2003, the 3rd Saturday of September was declared the International Coastal Cleanup, encouraging the public to clear coastlines, rivers, and lakes of trash. (PNA)