By Brett Andrew Rikke Bungcayao, StratCom Correspondent

The MMSU College of Aquatic Sciences and Applied Technology, in collaboration with the Movement Against Plastic Pollution and the Office of Congressman Angelo Marcos Barba, leads the annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) 2024, today, September 21, in Currimao, Ilocos Norte.

ICC is the world's largest volunteer effort for ocean health and engages individuals to remove trash from beaches, rivers, lakes, and waterways.

Among the participants were representatives from the Local Government Unit of Currimao headed by Municipal Mayor Hon. Edward Quilala, Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine National Police - Ilocos Norte, together with MMSU employees and students. A total of 58 bags were filled from the cleanup activity.

Dr. Bjorn Santos, vice president for Resource Generation and Management, emphasized the university’s continuous commitment and support towards preserving our coastal areas and protecting the environment.

Conducted every third Saturday of September of each year, this global cause encourages communities to maintain the cleanliness of shorelines, aiming to battle the worsening of water pollution and protect marine biodiversity.