September 20 is World Cleanup Day, a UN-recognized campaign that mobilizes volunteers worldwide to remove waste from coastlines, rivers, and streets. In the Philippines, major efforts are lined up — from the SM Cares coastal cleanup at SM by the BAY in Pasay City, expected to draw thousands, to the International Coastal Cleanup drive at Subic Bay’s Boardwalk and community actions in Sorsogon Province. The timing is fitting: September is also observed as Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month, which highlights the country’s deep ties to the sea and the need to protect its waters and coasts. For a nation heavily affected by marine debris, the event is more than symbolic: it is a chance to turn civic spirit into measurable action.
Coastal cleanups across the Philippines
This year, large volunteer efforts are lined up. At SM by the BAY in Pasay City, thousands are expected to join the SM Cares coastal cleanup, part of a network of activities in more than a dozen SM partner sites nationwide. The company targets up to 40,000 volunteers, making it one of the country’s biggest mobilizations.
In Subic Bay, the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Philippines is staging a community cleanup at the Boardwalk. Organizers encourage participants to download the ICC app, which allows volunteers to log every item of trash collected. This data feeds into a global database, helping scientists and policymakers understand the scale of waste problems and the most common items polluting waterways.
Further south, Sorsogon Province has also committed to World Cleanup Day, showing how even far-flung communities are part of the movement. Past events in Batangas, where divers hauled plastics from coral reefs, and in Metro Manila, where civic groups gathered waste along the bay, highlight the breadth of Filipino participation.
Why the Philippines is on the front line
The country generates around 2.7 million metric tons of plastic waste annually, with a large share leaking into rivers and the ocean. The sachet economy — small, single-use packaging for daily goods — makes the problem worse. Environmental groups like Greenpeace Philippines and EcoWaste Coalition warn that while volunteer cleanups are vital, they cannot offset the flood of disposable plastics entering the market every day.
From one day to every day
Organizers stress that World Cleanup Day should not be seen as a one-time effort. Local governments that have implemented plastic bag bans, such as Muntinlupa, demonstrate how ordinances can reinforce cleanup drives. Refill shops and startups promoting reusable containers also show practical alternatives are within reach.
The ICC system of documenting trash is another reminder that cleanups do more than remove litter; they also generate data to support stronger environmental laws. For many groups, the day serves as both action and advocacy: a push to clean today and a call for systemic change tomorrow.
