Sailing Toward #TrashFreeSeas: A Coastal Cleanup with Heart

On October 13, 2024, the calm shores of Subic Bay transformed into a lively hub of purpose and unity as over a hundred volunteers gathered at the Lighthouse Marina Resort in Subic Bay. From Manila, Zambales, Pampanga, and the local communities, people came together, driven by a shared mission: to rid the coastline of litter and make a stand for #TrashFreeSeas.

BUT.. This wasn’t just any cleanup—it was the grand finale of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) 2024, a three-part celebration spearheaded by Zed Avecilla, a passionate sailor and key figure behind the Subic Sailing Club and Raf Dionisio, co-founder of MAD Travel. For over a decade, Zed has championed the ICC in Subic, recognizing the deep connection between the art of sailing and the health of our seas.

To sail, after all, is to understand the sea’s rhythms, to feel its strength, and to respect its fragility. The waters that sailors glide upon are the very same ones that coastal cleanups aim to protect, making this event more than just a call to action—it’s a tribute to the bond between those who sail and the sea that sustains them.

Subic: A Community Anchored in Tradition

Among the volunteers were members of the indigenous Aeta tribe, led by Ate Erlinda. Their presence added a profound sense of tradition and stewardship, reminding everyone that caring for the environment is a legacy we pass down. As the Aeta tribe showed, preserving the land and sea isn’t just a task; it’s a way of life.

Tackling Trash: Small Victories for the Sea

As the first light hit Subic Bay, volunteers spread out with recycled sacks and gloves, ready to battle the waste littering the shoreline. They collected plastic bottles, wrappers, and glass—each piece a reminder of the harmful impact of single-use plastics. The hard work paid off, with every bit of trash removed representing a small victory for the sea.

Adding a creative twist to the day, Precious Plastic Philippines wowed the crowd with their live recycling demonstration. They showed how discarded bottle caps could be shredded and repurposed into valuable materials, highlighting the exciting potential of a circular economy.

In addition, the event was graced by the 5 'top nanays' of Cabangan's Alon and Araw Club who showed the volunteers the proper way of washing single-use plastic and sachets as they do in their award-winning community. Their message was clear: rethinking waste is key to building a sustainable future.

Sharing Ideas and Sustainability Solutions

The day didn’t end with just a cleaner beach. Participants gathered for a plenary session, reflecting on their experiences and sharing ideas for local sustainability initiatives. Environmental groups like Evergreen, Plastic Bank, Continuity, and Bio Uling contributed valuable insights, sparking new strategies to keep the momentum going in the fight for cleaner oceans.

s the day drew to a close, everyone came together for a shared meal prepared by Lighthouse and the local Aeta Mambukon volunteers, using traditional bamboo-cooking methods. It was a beautiful celebration of culture and community, a reminder that environmental protection is about more than picking up trash—it’s about connecting with one another and the world around us in meaningful ways.

Sailing Towards a Cleaner Future

Though the ICC 2024 celebration came to an end, it was clear that the journey toward cleaner seas had only just begun. The volunteers left Subic Bay not only with the satisfaction of a successful cleanup but with a renewed sense of purpose—to carry on the fight for #TrashFreeSeas and to ensure that future generations inherit a world where both sailing and sea life can thrive.

As Ate Erlinda and the Aeta tribe demonstrated so powerfully, protecting the environment isn’t just a responsibility—it’s a way of life. And for those who love the sea, like Zed, Raf, and the sailors of Subic, it’s a duty they take to heart, every time they set sail. The call is clear: we cannot do this alone. If we are to keep our oceans clean and our coastlines free from waste, we need everyone—sailors, beachgoers, students, and families—to join this movement.

The #TrashFreeSeas and ICC initiatives need your hands, your passion, and your commitment. Whether it’s organizing a cleanup in your own community, reducing single-use plastics, or spreading awareness, there’s a place for everyone in this fight.

So, are you ready to make a difference? Join the movement, take action, and let’s sail toward a future. Where our oceans are cleaner, our coastlines are healthier, and together, we make every shore a testament to our care and respect for the planet we call home. The sea needs us, and the time to act is now.