PCGA-PIO: About 10,000 volunteers from the educational institutions, local government units, civil society, private groups and business sector in Manila and neighboring cities- gathered along the shoreline of Baywalk Roxas Boulevard in Manila today to participate in the 30th International Coastal Cleanup 2015.

The annual activity, as organized by the Department of Public Services – Manila City Hall, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here in the country, was simultaneously held among 100 states around the world, with Philippines constantly topping the charts of most number of volunteers. 

According to ICC Co-Coordinator Vice Admiral Valentin B. Prieto Jr. and ICC-Philippines National Coordinator COMMO GERRY P. REYES, the Philippines aim to reach 300,000 volunteers this year to double last year’s 107,000. 

In his speech, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada emphasized the need to revive the city to its former glory as the Pearl of the Orient by protecting and maintaining clean and green seas. 

Mayor Estrada acknowledged the presence and cooperation between various organizations in the realization of an international endeavor spearheaded by the Ocean Conservancy in Washington D.C.

The event was graced by VADM Prieto, PCGA National Director; Commodore Salvador G. Tiangco Jr., Coast Guard Auxiliary District NCR-Central Luzon District Director; and about 12 Squadron Directors of NCR-Central Luzon. 

2014 ICC results showed that the province ofZambales topped the list of most number of participants last year with about 59,000 volunteers, followed by Cebu, Manila, Batangas and Cavite.