Tzu Chi’s advocacy on saving our planet from environmental degradation was put into action as the Tzu Chi Collegiate Youth Association of Bohol recently led a coastal clean-up drive in the municipality of Inabanga on November 12, 2023. With the theme “Together Towards Cleaner Shores,” this initiative aimed to tackle the growing waste problem caused by beach litter or tidewrack in the area. In collaboration with the Local Government Unit of Inabanga, Tzu Chi Scholars, Barangay Officials, and local residents joined forces to address the pressing issue of coastal pollution.
Group photos after cleaning up the shores.
“I want to express my gratitude to the Tzu Chi Foundation for organizing this Coastal Clean-up activity. We were able to [clean-up] trash[es] earlier, and we are sincerely thankful. Hopefully, we will have the opportunity to engage in this activity again” remarked Christian Dacsil, Barangay Official of Lawis, Inabanga.
The shorelines are being cleaned through the collaborative efforts of volunteers and the youths.
The coastal clean-up activity proved to be a significant step in mitigating the environmental challenges posed by washed-up garbage along the seashores and beaches of Inabanga in preventing potential harm to marine life and ecosystems. The involvement of Tzu Chi Scholars highlighted the importance of community engagement in preserving the balance of coastal ecosystems.
A resident of Lawis, Inabanga, Maria Flor Tagsip expressed her gratitude for the Tzu Chi Collegiate Youth Association’s initiative. “Today, Tzu Chi organized a Coastal Clean-up activity in our Barangay, and I am sincerely grateful for their presence and initiative. Their [participation] has been immensely helpful, enabling us to collect trash that would otherwise be challenging to [achieve].”
The Inabanga Local Government Unit assisted in gathering the waste accumulated by volunteers and the youth’s during their community clean-up efforts.
Donna Balatero, Head of the Tzu Chi Collegiate Youth Association, stated, “We prepared materials for cleaning and provided food for the participants. I believe we were able to inspire the youths and the locals of Lawis, just like what we did last year in Ondol. I hope that they are inspired by our actions to save marine life, and I believe it is for the benefit of the community and the environment.”
Donna Cruz, a member of Tzu Chi Youth shared, “It makes me happy to see the smiling faces of Lawis Inabanga and be part of the change for the betterment of that community. This experience contributes to my self-growth [as well] to be responsible [of what is happening in our environment].”
The Tzu Chi youth and local residents expressed their readiness to gather waste and undertake shoreline cleanup.
As these initiatives continue, there is hope for a cleaner, healthier environment, inspiring positive change within communities and fostering a sense of responsibility for the well-being of both humans and nature.
While taking the group photo, participants included Tzu Chi youth, volunteers, local government unit (LGU) representatives, and residents, all proudly holding their certificates.
