by Kharlle G. Lapad

MACABALAN, Cagayan de Oro City (March 11)– The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Region 10 (BFAR-10), through its Fisheries Resource Management Section (FRMS), actively participated in a coastal clean-up drive, spearheaded by the Philippine Coast Guard Region 10 (PCG-10) through its Marine Environmental Protection Command (MEPCOM), at the shoreline of Barangay Casinglot, Tagoloan on March 8.

The activity was part of PCG’s Task Force Ingat Yamang Dagat initiative, designed to enhance marine environmental protection by promoting community involvement and collaboration with Local Government Units and various stakeholders in safeguarding the marine ecosystems.

Led by PCG 10’s LTJG Kristel Jade A. Ramillano, BFAR-10 FRMS and the local government unit, with community volunteers, worked together and collected 20 sacks of wastes, including plastic bottles, damaged fishing nets, non-biodegradable materials and other pollutants threatening the marine ecosystem.

“Our participation in this clean-up drive reflects our commitment to safeguarding our coastal and marine environment. Through Task Force Ingat Yamang Dagat, we are strengthened to resolve and protect our waters from pollution and degradation,” Commander Ramillano shared.

Local officials lauded the efforts of all participants, emphasizing that such initiative fosters environmental consciousness and highlights the importance of marine conservation.

With continuous collaboration, the undertaking is perceived to maintain cleaner shorelines and healthier marine biodiversity. The Bureau, along with its partners, pledged to support future environmental campaigns and intensify efforts in preserving the country’s natural resources for future generations.