By I. Inojales | 07:13 PM May 21, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — Hundreds of volunteers and environmental advocates gathered in Panglao on Thursday, May 21, as part of the nationwide simultaneous Scubasurero Drive aimed at protecting marine ecosystems and raising awareness on coastal conservation.
The cleanup campaign, dubbed “Dive? Linis Din! Ano, Tara?”, was spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region VII in line with the celebration of Month of the Ocean 2026.
In Bohol, Panglao recorded the highest volume of collected waste among the three participating sites in Central Visayas, gathering around 250 kilograms of trash from coastal and underwater areas.
The activity also took place simultaneously in Moalboal and Malapascua Island. Combined, the three sites collected a total of 355 kilograms of waste and 61 sacks of garbage from the sea and shorelines.
More than 307 volunteers from 61 partner organizations participated in the environmental drive, highlighting growing public support for marine conservation efforts in the region.
DENR-7 Regional Executive Director Laudemir S. Salac thanked the volunteers and partner groups for contributing to the initiative.
“Our oceans are lifelines that sustain communities and future generations. Protecting our seas is a shared responsibility of every Filipino,” Salac said.
This year’s Month of the Ocean celebration carries the theme, “Sustaining Ocean Health, Sailing a Resilient Nation,” emphasizing the importance of collective action in preserving coastal and marine ecosystems.
DENR Region VII continues to encourage communities, divers, and local stakeholders to support long-term environmental protection through responsible waste management and sustained coastal cleanup activities.
