CORA and SK Federation in Parañaque hold coastal cleanup for Zero Waste Month

A total of 132 volunteers and citizen scientists attended the first CORA coastal cleanup of the year.

In celebration of Zero Waste Month, the Communities Organized for Resource Allocation (CORA), together with the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) in Paranaque City, held a coastal cleanup drive along Freedom Island in Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP) on Sunday. 

It also served as an opportunity for youth volunteers to become aware of the marine litter problem in Manila Bay, seek solutions together, and fundamentally reduce the use of plastic disposables. 

"This initiative shows the power of youth in creating real and tangible change. Through our partnership with the Sangguniang Kabataan in Paranaque, we are not just cleaning our coastlines, we are also empowering our future leaders to take action and tackle plastic pollution through citizen science and policy development," CORA Founder and Executive Director Antoinette Taus said. 

The activity is part of the 'Youth in Action for Waste-Free Cities and Oceans' project, which aims to engage the next generation of leaders in creating long-lasting solutions to plastic pollution, one of the country's most pressing environmental challenges. 

The project will equip Sangguniang Kabataan chairpersons and council members with essential skills and knowledge in citizen data collection.   

“As SK leaders, we must contribute what we can to serve our communities. This cleanup drive may be a small gesture for some, but in reality, this is already a big step towards environmental conservation.” SK Federation Secretary Hannah Margaret Dela Cruz shared.

In addition to the coastal cleanup, the SK Federation members will also conduct monthly marine litter monitoring at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park. This will not only address immediate concerns but also help the youth leaders craft actionable policy and program recommendations in waste management. 

CORA Youth for Oceans Initiative 

Youth for Oceans Launch and Capacity Development attended by Ambassador of France to the Philippines H.E Marie Fontanel, CENRO Parañaque Department Head Mark Allan Besa, and SK Parañaque President Hon. Denize Kathlyne Santos Park.

The Embassy of France to the Philippines and Micronesia, under the Blue Nations initiative, supports a shared vision of empowering communities to protect marine ecosystems and mitigate the impacts of plastic pollution. Launched last June, the initiative reflects the shared commitment of France and the Philippines as strong advocates for climate and ocean protection. It also aims to foster a multi-sectoral cooperation between the two countries on thematics which will be discussed at the next United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC 3) co-hosted by France and Costa Rica in June 2025.

Youth for Oceans (Y4O), or “Youth in Action for Waste-Free Cities and Oceans” is a year-long program that involves the Sangguniang Kabataan Youth Councils from 16 barangays in Parañaque City to address plastic pollution and promote sustainable waste management practices in both coastal and urban areas. This project focuses on recovering plastic waste both inland and along the coast, combining data-driven cleanups with circular economy solutions. 

Data from the World Bank showed that the Philippines generates an alarming amount of plastic waste daily—163 million sachets, 48 million plastic bags, and three million diapers. These wastes threaten not only marine life, but also human health. 

A survey conducted by CORA in 2023 also stressed the gravity of plastic pollution and marine litter, revealing food wrapper, sachets, and plastic bottles among the majority of debris collected at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park.

Learn more and join CORA’s mission for people and the planet at www.WeAreCORA.org.