ISABELA CITY, BASILAN – In a vibrant show of unity and environmental stewardship, hundreds of Basileños joined forces early this morning for a massive coastal cleanup drive at the famed Malamawi Beach in Isabela City. The event, spearheaded by the Provincial Government of Basilan in collaboration with the Isabela City Government, drew volunteers from various barangays, civic groups, and government offices—all united by a shared goal: to keep Basilan’s shores clean and thriving.
Leading the cleanup were Governor Mujiv Hataman, Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia “Dadah” Turabin-Hataman, and District 1 Board Member Amin Hataman, together with CENRO Isabela City Chief Albino Orbecido and the City General Services Office’s (CGSO) Solid Waste Management focals who guided Capitol employees throughout the activity.
“Our oceans are lifelines for Basilan’s communities and biodiversity. This cleanup is not just about removing trash—it’s about safeguarding our future,” Governor Hataman stressed, as he joined volunteers collecting debris along the coastline. He lauded the collective effort, emphasizing that protecting the environment requires everyone’s participation—from government officials to ordinary citizens.
The cleanup targeted high-traffic coastal zones and mangrove areas, where participants gathered plastics, discarded fishing nets, food wrappers, and other non-biodegradable waste. Mayor Turabin-Hataman, who personally took part in the cleanup, highlighted the power of partnership: “When local governments and citizens work together, we can achieve tangible results. Today’s effort is a reminder that every piece of trash removed matters.”
Despite Basilan’s abundant marine resources, pollution remains a growing threat fueled by improper waste disposal and rapid population growth. Through initiatives like the Coastal Cleanup Day, the Provincial Government hopes to reverse this trend by raising public awareness and encouraging sustainable practices.
This year’s activity saw the participation of Capitol employees under the #TeamKapitolyo banner and residents from eight barangays, each forming three dedicated teams to sweep the coastline clean. The strong turnout reflected the Basileños’ collective spirit of volunteerism and environmental consciousness.
Governor Hataman said the success of the Malamawi cleanup has already inspired plans to expand similar activities across the province, focusing on stricter implementation of environmental laws and promoting community-led conservation programs.
“We’re committed to transforming Basilan into a model of ecological resilience,” Hataman affirmed. “Clean coasts are just the beginning.”
As the morning waves of Malamawi Beach returned to their natural rhythm, the sight of freshly cleaned shores served as a reminder that true progress begins with unity—and that caring for nature is a duty shared by all Basileños.