Coastal cleanup drives community action in Balanga
The spirit of bayanihan was alive in Balanga, Bataan as 113 volunteers from SM City Bataan, schools, civic groups, NGOs, and local government units gathered at the Balanga Wetland and Nature Park for the International Coastal Cleanup 2025.
Armed with gloves and sacks, the volunteers collected 272 kilograms of waste, ranging from plastic bottles to discarded fishing nets. Each bag filled meant cleaner shores and healthier marine life.
Their work joined a nationwide effort that mobilized more than 48,800 volunteers across 20 coastal and waterway sites. Together, they cleared over 200,000 kilograms of trash, proving how community action drives meaningful environmental change.
The event carried the global theme “Clean Seas Against the Climate Crisis,” highlighting the link between plastic pollution, marine health, and climate resilience. The message was clear: every piece of trash removed lessens the burden on our oceans.
This initiative was supported by the #SMGreenMovement, with SM Prime advancing sustainability through waste management, water stewardship, and energy efficiency. These actions encourage communities to adopt small, consistent habits that lead to long-term impact.
The cleanup at Balanga Wetland and Nature Park also underscored the importance of protecting key ecological sites in the province. As a vital habitat for migratory birds and marine species, its protection ensures biodiversity thrives alongside local communities.
Every bottle, bag, and net collected marked progress toward a more sustainable future. The volunteers’ actions showed how collective responsibility builds resilience, creating cleaner seas and healthier communities for generations to come.
