Staying true to its commitment to clean up Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat & Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA) on a quarterly basis, Metro Manila Chapter and Green Movement of Humanist Alliance Philippines, International (HAPI) joined other non-profit organisations and environmental groups on September 22nd of 2018 to celebrate International Coastal Cleanup Day, known as World Cleanup Day. The event was led by the Department of Natural Resources, with some politicians and navy personnel participating for a common cause.

In attendance were motor bikers of RGen South Muntinlupa, RGen Las Piñas, RGen Parañaque and True Friends Riders Club. Also showing full force were riders of Angkas Padala, and volunteers who signed up online through iVolunteer. All volunteers who pre-registered were awarded with electronic certificates of participation so as to reduce carbon footprint and paper consumption altogether.

A celebration locally hosted by Let’s Do It Philippines, World Cleanup Day came with a goal of reaching 5 million volunteers all over the Philippines simultaneously cleaning up coasts, communities and schools in one day. The campaign focused on key cities were industrialisation is deemed high and hence, produce the most consumer and industrial wastes all year round. One of the people who led the nationwide campaign was HAPI’s Director of Green Movement, Arturo Alvarez, also the Program Director of Let’s Do It Philippines.

With over 150 countries in participation, this year’s World Cleanup Day is internationally hosted by Estonia. Record has it that the world celebration is the biggest positive civic action of 2018 and the world has ever seen. The Philippines, an archipelago surrounded by the West Philippine Sea and the Pacific Ocean, has been a country of environmental concern for decades because of its rapid economic growth and booming ecotourist spots. Nonetheless, the Philippines has seen the rise of most environmentalists in the recent decade.

Environmental Humanism has been the grassroots and core mission of HAPI from the get-go. With the leadership of the likes of Alvarez and the renewed interest of HAPI Metro Manila members in the preservation of fragile ecologies, Green Movement is expected to be the new and trusted authority in organising collective efforts for the environment in the Philippines and the newly-integrated ASEAN region.

Author:

Mc Jarwin Cayacap
Writer
Photographer
Graphic Designer
Metro Manila member

Currently in between careers, he busies himself with anything that works for the good of humanity. Other than being a Humanist, he is a realist, an art aficionado, a frugal foodie and a weary wanderer. He looks forward to working in the central government.