Don Bosco School of Theology participates in marine and coastal cleanup

(MissionNewswire) Staff and students from Don Bosco School of Theology supported the International Coastal Clean Up Day on Sept. 16 by participating in cleanup at Julugan Fish Terminal in Tanza, Cavite, Philippines. The day was sponsored by Coca Cola and was in partnership with International Coastal Clean Up Philippines, the Lighthouse Marina Resort Legacy Foundation and Plastic Bank.

More than 100 countries participated in the cleanup of beaches and bodies of water on this day. Don Bosco School of Theology students experienced firsthand how a community can impact marine and coastal conservation.

Participants picked up trash and then learned about waste segregation and weighing trash. In total, 8,073 pieces of trash were collected during the cleanup. Plastic beverage bottles were the number one waste along the coastlines. Foam dock pieces, other plastic items, glass bottles, paper cups and plates, lines, nets, traps and ropes were also collected.

The cleanup and waste segregation was followed by a lecture by Zed Avecilla, the president of Lighthouse Marina Foundation, Inc. His lecture focused on the importance of marine and coastal ecosystems as well as the various activities that threaten these ecosystems. The need for conservation efforts as well as assessment methods, sustainable management practices and community engagement practices were also included in his discussion.

A Salesian said, “To make the activity more meaningful, participants were given the opportunity to reflect and share their takeaways and realizations from the activity. They were also asked to think of what they can do to become stewards of the environment. This was a great opportunity for learning and giving back to the community.”

Throughout the Philippines, Salesian missionaries offer a variety of educational and social development programs for youth. The goal is to provide the opportunities necessary to gain an education and skills training to break the cycle of poverty and retain long-term employment.

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Photo courtesy of Don Bosco Green Alliance

Don Bosco Green Alliance – Don Bosco School of Theology, Philippines participates in Marine Coastal Cleanup!

Don Bosco School of Theology

Salesian Missions – Philippines