Reef Philippines, in support of the World Wide Fund for Nature, held a coastal cleanup on September 24 to 25. Reef gave away 50 slots to volunteers who wanted to join, all expenses paid. Titled “Free the Sea Movement: Restore and Reconnect,” the event aims to impart to its participants the importance of keeping your trash at bay.
The volunteers and media representatives were split into two groups and were assigned to collect biodegradable and non-biodegradable trash along the coast of Urbiztondo in San Juan, La Union. Starting from Little Surfmaid, the participants then proceeded to stroll and pick up pieces of trash going to Costa Villa Resort and back again. Impressive enough, the coast was already clean thanks to the ongoing efforts of La Union Surf Club. I was able to witness how locals keep the beach clean by picking up trash along the way and dropping it off at receptacles situated strategically across the beach.
Participants were able to enjoy an hour of surfing lessons. And as the sun set on the horizon, they were treated to a party filled with music, good food, and great beverages at the Flotsam & Jetsam Hostel.
To see photos from the event, checkout the hashtags #WeHeartLaUnionPH and #JustPassingThrough on your favorite social media sites.
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