Making waves of environmental effect to #SeatheChange
It was a win for the environment, as the community gathered to help clean the shorelines and underwater during the International Coastal Cleanup Day and the Universidad de Zamboanga (UZ): SCUBASURERO, which was held on September 21, 2024.
The initiative successfully collected a total of 102 sacks, removing 1, 667.85 kilograms of waste, mostly composed of plastics, e waste, clothing, organic materials, and other trash from the coastlines and below waters of Caragasan Beach, West Coastal Road, Zamboanga City. The trash was then sorted and categorized to ensure its proper disposal.
UZ has partnered with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Naval Special Operations Unit (NAVSOU) 6 to lead the conduct of UZ: SCUBASURERO 2024. Equipped with their gears, the 29 divers descended into the depths of the Caragasan Beach and removed submerged debris.
Also in attendance were passionate volunteers from the Marine Battalion Landing Team (MBLT) 1; MBLT 6; Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao; NAVSOU 6; Naval Reserve Center Western Mindanao (NRCen-WM); 61st NRCen-WM; 93rd Marine Battalion Reserve; Rotary Club of Zamboanga City Central; Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Region 9; Office of the City Environment & Natural Resources (OCENR); SISAM Building Concepts; PLYGRND FILMS PH; Southwestern Action For Emergencies, Inc.; Barangay Council of Maasin; Mr and Miss UZ 2024 Candidates; Institute of Technical Education- Emergency Medical Services (ITE-EMS); Rotaract Club of Universidad de Zamboanga – CES; PEER Counselor Organization; UZ Eco-Warriors Organization; NSTP Students; faculty; and staff. Their proactive engagement with this cause has truly made an impact on the ongoing fight against pollution in our seas and coastlines.
The activity was spearheaded by the UZ External Affairs and Institutional Development Centre (EAIDC) and the Safety, Health, and Environment Department (SHED) and is in line with the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day, observed on the third Saturday of September every year in recognition of the worldwide coastal clean-up celebration, as per Proclamation No. 470 Series of 2003.
Moreover, UZ’s participation in the International Coastal Clean-up 2024 targeted the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN-SDGs) Goal 13: Climate Action and Goal 14: Life Below Waters and highlights the university’s commitment to Corporate Sustainability.
The university hopes that this initiative will create a ripple effect and inspire others to take meaningful action to help restore the health of the seas, keep our oceans clean, and raise awareness of the importance of marine life protection.
More photos here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/9sENHZec2kdA9EvB7
Underwater shots thanks to PLYGRND FILMS PH
