MGB 7 Joins DENR CV in Cleanup Drives, Fight Against Global Plastic Pollution

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau 7 (MGB 7) remains committed to environmental protection by actively participating in two major cleanup drives on June 5 and 7 in collaboration with various government agencies and private companies. These vital efforts, commemorating World Environment Day and World Oceans Day, are a key part of the Philippine Environment Month 2025 celebration, driven by the urgent global theme: “Ending Global Plastic Pollution.”

This theme directly addresses one of the most pervasive and urgent environmental problems worldwide, particularly in the Philippines. The Philippines is recognized as one of the world’s largest contributors to marine plastic waste, with an estimated 2.7 million metric tons of plastic waste generated annually, 20% of which ends up in our oceans. This crisis is fueled by a high reliance on single-use plastics, inadequate waste management infrastructure, and logistical challenges due to the country’s archipelagic nature. Plastic pollution devastates marine ecosystems, endangers wildlife that mistake plastic for food, impacts the livelihoods of fishing and tourism, and poses significant health risks as microplastics enter the food chain.

As part of this important cause, 15 MGB 7 volunteers took part in DENR 7-led initiatives. On June 5, a successful river cleanup at Lahug River mobilized 142 volunteers who collected 111 sacks (713 kg) of predominantly plastic waste. This effort was part of DENR 7’s “Rivers for Life” campaign, aiming to curb plastic waste at its source.

The action continued on June 7 with a coastal cleanup at South Road Properties (SRP) in Cebu City. A total of 406 participants joined, collecting 165 sacks (817.75 kg) of trash, primarily food packaging, single-use plastics, and styrofoam.

One of the volunteers at MGB-7, Engr. Ramcie S. Brillante, who is retiring from the bureau this year, shares his observations as someone who has previously participated in cleanup drives. While he is pleased to see an increase in the number of cleanup initiatives, he also feels sad and frustrated by the sight of massive waste everywhere. He is particularly concerned about trash being discarded improperly, especially in our rivers and oceans.

While the cleanup drives are a significant step, the battle against plastic pollution is far from over. We must continue to manage our waste responsibly and make it a part of our daily routine.

“I am deeply saddened and frustrated by our current situation. This presents a significant problem, both to the environment and our future. It should be everyone’s responsibility, extending beyond the government to each individual. What we are doing today is a modest demonstration, yet it represents a substantial contribution to the environment. People should actively participate now in waste management, make it part of their daily routine,” Brillate said. (Heart Rizarri/IO)