350,000 kilos of trash collected from coastal cleanup - DENR

Around 350,000 kilograms of trash and debris were collected on Saturday as a result of the nationwide coastal cleanup effort, which attracted at least 74,000 volunteers.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources led the initiative in celebration of International Coastal Cleanup Day.

In Pasay City, DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga and DENR-NCR OIC Regional Executive Director Atty. Michael Drake Matias spearheaded the cleanup along the seaside area of SM by the Bay.

Most volunteers were young people.

"We are thrilled to see such a large turnout today. This event not only highlights the urgent need to protect our coastlines but also showcases the commitment of our communities to work together for a cleaner, healthier environment," said Matias.

The ICC is a global initiative that encourages communities to remove litter from beaches and waterways while spreading awareness about the importance of protecting marine ecosystems. —Sherylin Untalan/VBL, GMA Integrated News