John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU), in partnership with the Local Government Unit of Nueva Valencia and DENR-PENRO Guimaras, conducted a Coastal Cleanup and Scubasurero Activity on September 18, 2026, in celebration of the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), with the theme “Clean Seas for Resilient Communities.”
The activity opened with an orientation on the purpose and significance of the International Coastal Cleanup and an awareness session on coral bleaching, helping participants better understand marine pollution, its impacts on coastal ecosystems, and the importance of collective action in protecting marine resources.
More than 100 community volunteers from the Parents for Education and Environmental Advocates of Poblacion (PEEAP), JBLFMU staff, and JBLFMU family beneficiaries from Igang, Magamay, Pandaraonan, Dolores, and Sto. Domingo participated in the coastal cleanup.
Meanwhile, scuba divers from the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, LGU Nueva Valencia, JBLFMU, DENR-PENRO, GENRO, and Guimaras PDRRMO took part in the Scubasurero activity at the Igang Bay Marine Sanctuary.
The activity collected 20 sacks and 127.8 kg of trash from the coastal and marine areas of Puerto del Mar and Igang Bay Marine Sanctuary.
The initiative highlighted the importance of environmental awareness, community participation, and multi-sectoral partnerships in protecting marine ecosystems and building resilient coastal communities. It supports SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).