Lapu Lapu City, Philippines. The Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary- Central Visayas District has called on
government offices, non-government organizations and the general public to honor three important
environmental events this June with massive clean-up of Cebu beaches.
The month of June celebrates three milestones in environmental consciousness: Environment Month,
World Oceans Day and Coral Triangle Day. Proclamation No. 237 signed in 1988 mandates that the
month of June is Environment Month to focus public attention to the protection and conservation of the
country’s natural resources; World Oceans Day is celebrated every June 8 while the Coral Triangle Day
will be celebrated for the first time on June 9, 2012.
Captain Simplicio Gilig, newly installed Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary Central Visayas District Director
said the Coast Guard Auxiliary in the region had been instructed to conduct beach clean ups and if
capable underwater clean-up on Saturday June 9, 2012 and even beyond.
Gilig, who is also a founding officer of the Lapu Lapu City Marine Sports and Boat Operators Association
(MSBOAT) said the Auxiliary and his association will jointly undertake beach and underwater clean-up in
Maribago area in Lapu Lapu City on June 9 because garbage has piled up due in part to the influx of so
many tourists in May, and in part due to irresponsible throwing of garbage by some residents and
visitors.
Gilig said Coastal tourism is the lifeline of the City. It is important that City waters maintain good
swimming quality so tourists will continue to patronize its resorts and beaches. More importantly many
people depend on the sea for livelihood and food and therefore they should always be free from all
kinds of wastes.
This will also be the first time that the Coral Triangle Initiative Day will be celebrated on June 9. The
Philippines is a member of a six-country initiative that hopes to improve the lives of coastal communities
in the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, East Timor, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands. The
Coral Triangle is the center of the most diverse marine life in the world where the Philippines is at the
apex.
Gilig said all are invited to join and participate the auxiliary group. The assembly time is 7am at the Boyla
Hotel and Resort, Barangay Maribago, Lapu Lapu City. Others expected to join are the Lapu Lapu City
Police Office, Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard. For details the public may call 492.1800,
492.1823, 495.7895 or text 0927.717.0348 (END)
