Puerto Princesa Unites for the Ocean: 40th International Coastal Cleanup Showcases Sectoral Solidarity and Environmental Resolve
This year’s observance marked a historic milestone as, for the first time, the City Government of Puerto Princesa and the Provincial Government of Palawan jointly led the initiative. The collaboration underscored a unified front in addressing marine pollution and promoting sustainable coastal management.
Mitchell Gimena
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY — In the early hours of September 20, 2025, as the first light broke over the shores of Barangay Matahimik, more than 100 volunteers gathered at the Puerto Princesa New Public Market to take part in a city-wide movement that has grown into a symbol of environmental commitment: the 40th International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) and the 7th episode of “Save the Puerto Princesa Bays.”
This year’s observance marked a historic milestone as, for the first time, the City Government of Puerto Princesa and the Provincial Government of Palawan jointly led the initiative. The collaboration together with Ecokolek and PEMSEA underscored a unified front in addressing marine pollution and promoting sustainable coastal management.
A Morning of Movement and Meaning
The event commenced at 5:00 a.m. with a Zumba warm-up and a performance by the Puerto Princesa City Band. Cultural presentations by Banwa Dance & Arts and a video retrospective of past “Save the Bays” episodes set the tone for the day’s activities. In his keynote address, Mayor Lucilo R. Bayron emphasized the urgency of collective action, urging citizens to reject single-use plastics and embrace their role as stewards of the city’s five vital bays—Puerto Princesa Bay, Binunsalian Bay, Honda Bay, Ulugan Bay, and Oyster Bay.
“These bays are not just bodies of water,” Mayor Bayron said. “They are lifelines of our city’s economy, culture, and identity. Protecting them is not a choice—it is our duty.”
Sectoral Participation and Data-Driven Action
A total of 104 volunteers participated in the cleanup at Barangay Matahimik, representing:
• TESDA (35 participants)
• City Youth Office (35)
• Palawan National School Supreme Student Council (12)
• Palawan State University (10)
• Eco Warriors (7)
• Project Zacchaeus (5)
Volunteers conducted simultaneous cleanup and waste documentation activities, sorting, weighing, and recording the types of debris collected. The data will be used to inform Eco Kolek’s circular economy initiatives and strengthen local solid waste management strategies.
According to Eco Kolek Operations Officer Dennis Creach S. Barcelona, the initiative goes beyond aesthetics. “This is more than a cleanup—it’s a movement. Each episode strengthens our resolve to protect the bays and build a more sustainable future for Puerto Princesa,” he said.
A City-Wide Effort
While the main activity was held in Barangay Matahimik, simultaneous cleanups were conducted across multiple coastal barangays. Urban communities participated in the “Scoop Basura” inter-barangay challenge, reinforcing grassroots involvement in environmental protection.
SM City Puerto Princesa also joined the initiative through its corporate social responsibility arm, SM Cares. Employees and agency personnel collected sacks of trash along the City Baywalk, demonstrating the private sector’s growing role in local environmental advocacy. “SM Supermalls remains committed to supporting and promoting environmental initiatives led by the local government, in line with its mission to create a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable community,” the company said in a statement.
Symbolic Science: The Mudball Toss
One of the event’s most anticipated highlights was the longest mudball throwing activity at the City Baywalk. These mudballs—made of dried mud, rice bran, EM solution, and water—contain Effective Microorganisms (EM-1) that help remediate polluted waters. The City ENRO has used this low-cost biotechnology since 2016 to improve water quality in coastal areas, and its inclusion in this year’s ICC served as both a scientific intervention and a symbolic gesture of healing for the bay.
A Shared Legacy
The 2025 ICC and Save the Bays episode concluded with group photos and acknowledgments, capturing the spirit of collaboration that defined the day. As Puerto Princesa prepares to host major events like the Ironman 70.3 Challenge later this year, the city’s commitment to environmental protection takes on even greater significance.
“This is not just about cleaning up,” Mayor Bayron reminded participants. “It’s about changing mindsets, building habits, and leaving a legacy of care for the next generation.”
With each cleanup, Puerto Princesa continues to turn the tide—one bay, one barangay, one community at a time.
