MANILA – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is urging Filipinos to reduce waste at its source as the country prepares for the 2026 International Coastal Cleanup on Saturday across all 17 regions.
DENR Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Rochelle Elena Gamboa said the annual cleanup should go beyond collecting trash and encourage long-term changes in waste management practices at home, in schools, workplaces and communities.
Thousands of volunteers are expected to join simultaneous cleanup activities along coastlines, rivers and waterways nationwide.
The DENR will lead the main activity at Baseco Beach in Port Area, Manila, in line with the celebration of Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month 2026.
An “Upcycle & Circularity Expo” will also be held at Baseco Beach, featuring companies and organizations involved in recycling, upcycling, waste recovery and other circular economy initiatives.
In Metro Manila, cleanup activities are also scheduled at Manila Bay Dolomite Beach, SM by the Bay, Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park, Tanza Marine Tree Park, Marikina River, Pasig River and other sites.
Gamboa said the broader goal is to reduce the amount of waste reaching waterways, protect marine ecosystems and help communities become more resilient to environmental challenges.