By: Kent Jacob C Asa,
MAERS Center Intern

The McKeough Advancement for Environment, Resilience, and Sustainability (MAERS) Center of Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan participated in the Simultaneous Coastal Cleanup organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region X (DENR-X) as part of the nationwide observance of Ocean Month 2026. Carrying the theme, "Sustaining Ocean Health, Sailing a Resilient Nation," the activity brought together volunteers from various institutions and organizations in a collective effort to protect and preserve coastal and aquatic ecosystems.

Participants assembled at the San Juan 2 Covered Court in Barangay Lapasan before proceeding to the designated cleanup site at Bukana, Bitan-ag Creek, where they joined fellow volunteers in removing improperly disposed trash from the area. Among the notable debris collected were plastic bottles and packaging materials, discarded fishing nets and ropes, worn clothing and textiles, plastic bags, food wrappers, aluminum cans, and other mixed household and marine litter that had accumulated along the creek and the surrounding coastal environment.

Participants retrieved trash along Bitan-ag Creek.

The cleanup formed part of the annual celebration of Ocean Month, observed every May pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No 57, s 1999, which aims to raise public awareness on the importance of protecting and conserving the country's marine and coastal resources. Through initiatives such as the simultaneous coastal cleanup, the observance promotes collective action toward environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and responsible stewardship of oceans and waterways.

Characterization and inventory of the collected trash

The MAERS Center's participation reflected Xavier University's continued commitment to environmental conservation, community engagement, and collaborative action to safeguard natural resources for present and future generations.