In celebration of UP Visayas' long-standing presence and commitment to environmental stewardship in Iloilo, the University officially launched its Coastal Cleanup Campaign. The kick-off event, held on September 21, 2024, brought together students, faculty, staff, and community volunteers to clean up the coastline actively. This coincided with the International Coastal Cleanup Day, first celebrated by Ocean Conservancy in 1986 and is held every third Saturday of September annually.
UP High School in Iloilo’s Civic Consciousness Development Program (CCDP) President Jonas Montaño said, "Coastal cleanups [promote] awareness and issues about [proper garbage disposal]; the event encourages everyone, especially students, to actively participate in preserving the ecosystem.”
UPHSI Science Club President Llya Nyssa Mikkailah L. Sulit added, “This significant event was a powerful reminder that one small action can turn into multiple positive impacts to help conserve our oceans and coastlines. As part of our dedication to environmental preservation, the UPHSI Science Club and I were grateful to have participated in this year's International Coastal Cleanup Day.”
Through this activity, UPHSI’s CCDP subject promoted mindful and nationalistic citizenship. The UP High School Grade 10 CCDP class with Asst. Prof. Imelda Catequista, their adviser, and UPHSI Science Club, with their adviser, Ms. Hope Rinette P. Wong, participated in the cleanup as part of UPHSI’s civic responsibilities. Yupihay students spared no effort throughout the cleanup and did their best to retrieve all remaining trash on the coastline. This initiative underscores UPHSI’s dedication to preserving Iloilo's marine ecosystems and addressing environmental challenges through community involvement and sustainable action under Prof. Edelia T. Braga, the Principal.
By fostering environmental awareness, the University continues to strengthen its relationship with the local community, and empower academic and non-academic sectors to participate in meaningful ecological conservation efforts. The coastal clean-up event also educates participants about the importance of reducing waste, especially plastic pollution, in protecting the health and beauty of Iloilo's coastlines.
As UPHSI looks toward a future of enhanced environmental programs, this activity marks the beginning of more collaborative and sustainable initiatives to protect the region’s rich natural resources. Protecting the environment is a duty everyone should observe to help protect the environment. When tasks like these become regular communal engagements, the Earth's waters and all marine life will be better preserved.
