East Zone concessionaire Manila Water was among the 50 organizations who joined the synchronized cleanup drives organized by DENR for the celebration of International Coastal Cleanup Day. Manila Water also provided water tankers and drinking water stations to support the hydration and hygiene of the cleanup drive volunteers. According to DENR, a total of 352,479 kilograms of trash and debris were collected during the cleanup drive.
MANILA, Philippines – With plastic pollution remaining as the biggest threat in the conservation of water bodies, Manila Water renews its commitment to marine protection with its participation in this year’s International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day.
Last Saturday, September 21, volunteers from Manila Water trooped in Manila Bay in the City of Manila and Marikina River in Marikina City to join in the nationwide synchronized coastal cleanup drive organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. They were among the 74,075 volunteers who joined the cleanup activities for ICC from 1,913 government and private organizations across the country.
Manila Water also provided water tankers and drinking water stations to support the hydration and hygiene of the cleanup drive volunteers.
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According to DENR, a total of 352,479 kilograms of trash and debris were collected during the cleanup drive.
The theme of this year’s ICC is “Clean Seas For a Blue Economy” which highlights how a sustainable blue economy unlocks multiple environmental, social and economic benefits and drives sustainable development. The “blue economy” refers to the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of ocean ecosystem.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, the connected oceans, coasts and inland waters around the globe are now facing a triple-planetary crisis of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss due to growing human population and increasing demand for resources.
Part of Manila Water’s Sustainability Policy is to “Protect the Environment” through the implementation of programs that support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Through the said policy, Manila Water aims to prevent further environmental degradation by conserving natural resources, managing, and protecting our watershed areas and responsible treating raw water and wastewater; operate efficiently and innovate responsibly to address business risks and opportunities in a way that nurtures, protects, and conserves our natural resources; and understand and respond to global environmental concerns on climate change and biodiversity loss through systematic efforts on adaptation and mitigation.
“We also commit to continuously work in partnership with the communities, government, civil society organizations, businesses, investors, and other stakeholders to create awareness, advocate sustainable practices, and to respond to critical social needs and pressing environmental issues,” says Jeric Sevilla, Manila Water Corporate Communication Affairs Group Director.