More than 1,500 volunteers from 35 organizations joined forces with SM City Bacolod, through its SM Cares, for the annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) held at the coastline of puroks Sisi and Sigay in Barangay Singcang-Airport Sept. 20.
The initiative was carried out in partnership with the Brgy. Singcang-Airport Council, led by punong barangay Rosinie Distrito, and with support from the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office. Together, the wide network of partners was able to collect 4,180 kilograms of coastal waste, underscoring Bacolod’s collective effort in protecting its waterways.
Leading the cleanup were SM Cares and SM City Bacolod employees, along with the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials. They were joined by key city agencies, such as BENRO, the Department of Public Services, the Bacolod City Police Office, and the Bureau of Fire Protection.
Volunteers also came from Grab Western Visayas, Bacolod City College, National University Bacolod, John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation, Fast Central College, Negros Occidental High School, Rotary Council of Presidents, Autism Society Philippines–Bacolod, Child Initiative Inc., Bacolod City Host Lions Club, Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Negros Press Club, Thaggard Global Foundation Inc., Binhing Mangkasanon Learning and Development Center, and several civic and community organizations.
“This yearly coastal cleanup reflects SM’s commitment to sustainability and our community. By working hand in hand with the city, barangay, schools, and organizations, we not only remove waste but also raise awareness on protecting our waterways,” May Castro, public relations manager of SM City Bacolod, said in a press release Sept. 21.
Distrito emphasized the importance of collaboration. “This is proof that Bacolod is stronger together. With the support of Mayor Greg Gasataya, SM City Bacolod, and all our partners, we are showing that united efforts create lasting impact for our environment and our people.”
The ICC, observed every third Saturday of September, is the world’s largest volunteer initiative for ocean health.
This year, SM Supermalls organized coastal cleanups across 27 malls nationwide, mobilizing 48,800 volunteers and collecting an impressive 200,000 kilograms of trash. The Sept. 20 event is logged as the biggest gathering of eco-warriors for Philippine oceans yet. ||
