The city government will bank on increased community participation in its fight against marine pollution as it rolls out the 18th “Save the Puerto Princesa Bays” cleanup drive on May 9.
At the center of this year’s activity is “Scoop Basura Version 4.0,” a gamified cleanup approach where barangays and volunteer groups compete in collecting coastal waste in exchange for incentives.
City officials said the strategy is meant to sustain and expand gains from previous drives, which have already removed more than 800 tons of marine debris from coastal areas.
Preparations were finalized on April 30 through a coordination meeting involving the City Solid Waste Management Office and coastal barangay leaders.
The event will begin at the Mendoza Amphitheater with community activities, including Zumba and performances, before participants are deployed to various coastal sites for synchronized cleanup operations.
The city government called on residents and volunteers to join the initiative, emphasizing the need for sustained public involvement to address marine waste and protect coastal ecosystems.
