ICC 2024 Level Up Clean up at LPPCHEA

Community Unites to Clean Up Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park for International Coastal Cleanup 2024

On September 29, 2024, a determined group of 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. Organized by MAD Travel, co-founded by Raf Dionisio,

and the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS), led by EPR

Director Zed Avecilla, this 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.

**A 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, the volunteers 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.

**A 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.

**A 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, the volunteers left Freedom Island tired but hopeful. Their efforts, though

seemingly small in the face of the vast problem of marine pollution, were a powerful 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.