Community unites to clean up Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park for International Coastal Cleanup 2024

Life ain't plastic, this mess isn't fantastic

Fortunately, I am a morning person.

Unfortunately, considering the amount of work needed, it was only the first time I've done it in my life.

On September 29, I found myself heading to Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park at 6:30 a.m when, usually, I would sleep in because it's a Sunday.  Still, I had no problem waking up---I just tricked my mind into thinking it was a weekday, haha. 

I wasn't alone. Some 80 volunteers, students, and partners gathered at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA), also known as Freedom Island, to make a difference. 

Raf Dionisio

Organized by MAD Travel, co-founded by Raf Dionisio, and the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS), led by EPR Director Zed Avecill, the coastal cleanup event celebrated International Coastal Cleanup Month (ICC) 2024 by addressing one of the Philippines’ most pressing environmental challenges—water pollution.

The beautiful Freedom Island, which is home to a variety of marine species and serves as a crucial migratory bird habitat, has been struggling under the burden of human neglect. The accumulation of plastic waste and other pollutants threatens not only the wildlife that depend on it, but also the surrounding communities. 

It was clear that the day's effort was about more than just collecting litter—it was about protecting the ecosystem and pushing for sustainable change.

Day of Action Against Plastic Pollution

Arriving at the coastal area of Freedom Island, the volunteers were greeted with the sobering sight of plastic bottles, diapers, toys, and even abandoned bags strewn across the shoreline. 

This site—once a pristine mangrove forest—offered a stark reminder of the dire state of water pollution in Metro Manila. With more than 20 million residents, Metro Manila's waterways bear the brunt of heavy pollution, with trash from urban households flowing into the city's estuaries and ultimately to the sea. 

This accumulation of waste contributes significantly to the country being one of the world's largest contributors to ocean plastic pollution.

During the cleanup, we meticulously combed through the shoreline, removing non-biodegradable debris that not only make its way into the waters but also poisons marine animals and finds its way into the human food chain through microplastics. This direct action is crucial to protecting marine biodiversity and raising awareness about the impact of plastic pollution on our seas.

Uniting for a Sustainable Future

The trash collected was weighed to quantify the impact of the day's efforts, and then separated into categories: recyclable, non-recyclable, and hazardous waste. Recyclable plastics were washed by volunteers before being handed over to the local community members who call the area their home. This step emphasized the importance of waste segregation and ensuring that reusable materials are given a second life rather than clogging our ecosystems.

After the hard work, everyone gathered for an intimate lunch, where key supporters of the Philippine Alliance for Sustainable Solutions (PASS) spoke about their organizations’ roles in promoting sustainability. Some partner organizations—Econest, Sentinel, and Wasto PH—shared inspiring stories about how they are working to minimize plastic use, recycle waste, and create a more circular economy.

Econest, for example, highlighted its efforts in eco-friendly packaging solutions that help eliminate single-use plastics, while Sentinel focused on its community programs promoting sustainable living practices. Wasto PH demonstrated its innovative waste reduction initiatives, contributing to reducing the volume of non-biodegradable trash that ends up in our rivers and oceans.

As the gathering continued, Bokashi Philippines offered a short but informative session on food composting, a method that not only diverts organic waste from landfills but also enriches the soil—a practical reminder of the value of composting in promoting a zero-waste lifestyle.

Network of Partnerships for Change

The event was not just about removing trash from the coastline; it was a testament to the power of community and partnerships in making a significant impact on environmental issues. Among the other partners present were Lighthouse Legacy Foundation, River Recycle, Precious Plastic Philippines, House Creatives, Ms. Scuba Philippines, media volunteers, and Farmassist. Each organization plays a role in the fight for #TrashFreeSeas, ensuring that the cleanup doesn’t end when the day is over but continues with sustained efforts and community engagement.

The cleanup at LPPCHEA was the second of a three-part series of ICC activities organized by Lighthouse Legacy Foundation in partnership with Coca-Cola Philippines. The first took place at Baseco Beach on September 21, and the final cleanup is set to happen at Lighthouse Marina Resort Subic on October 13. This series of events has been instrumental in mobilizing citizens across Metro Manila to take a hands-on role in tackling pollution at its source.

The success of these cleanups highlights the importance of civic participation and the active involvement of various organizations in driving change. In a country that struggles with waste management challenges, particularly in urban areas, initiatives like these are essential for ensuring that the problem is addressed from both community and systemic levels.

Fight Against Microplastic Pollution

Plastic pollution not only litters our beaches but also breaks down into smaller particles called microplastics, which pose severe threats to marine animals and human health. Fish and other marine creatures mistake these microplastics for food, ingesting them, which then leads to toxins being introduced into the food chain. This makes the role of community-driven efforts like the one at LPPCHEA even more vital. By removing plastic waste before it breaks down into microplastics, we help mitigate a significant source of pollution that affects both marine life and human health.

Events like the LPPCHEA cleanup reflect the efforts of civic groups to actively protect the environment, but they also highlight the larger systemic issues that need addressing. Policies around waste management and corporate responsibility must go hand in hand with community cleanups to achieve long-term solutions. The corporate partners, such as Coca-Cola Philippines, play a crucial role by not only sponsoring events like these but also by committing to changes within their own operations to reduce plastic production.

Hope on the Horizon

As the day ended, we left Freedom Island tired but hopeful. Our efforts, though seemingly small in the face of the vast problem of marine pollution, were a reminder that change begins with individual actions. Cleaning up the shores is just the beginning—addressing the root causes of plastic pollution, creating awareness, and advocating for policy change are essential for building a future where our seas are free from trash and marine life can thrive.

The Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area cleanup was a vivid reminder of the work still needed to ensure that the Philippines, especially in high-impact areas like Metro Manila, transitions to a more sustainable way of life. The presence of partners and local communities showed that collective action is key, and every person can contribute to keeping our waters clean, protecting our environment, and ensuring #trashfreeseas.

The effort to clean up the wetlands may only be a piece of a much larger puzzle, but it is a necessary one. It will take continued collaboration, awareness, and a commitment to sustainable practices to overcome the tide of pollution. And while the problem may seem overwhelming, events like these remind us that progress is possible, one piece of trash at a time.

(For more information on ICC activities or to sign up as volunteer, contact us via Lighthouse Legacy Foundation or MAD Travel)