GINGOOG CITY, Misamis Oriental — In a powerful display of environmental stewardship and inter-agency cooperation, divers from the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) led a large-scale underwater cleanup drive dubbed “Scubasurero” at Puntod Shoal and the Gingoog City Pier on March 20, 2026—pulling together law enforcement, environmental agencies, and local stakeholders in a shared mission to protect the city’s marine ecosystems.
The activity was spearheaded by PRO10 divers under the leadership of PLTCOL Ariel Philip I. Pontillas, Assistant Chief of the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division (RIDMD), and carried out in close collaboration with the Local Government Unit of Gingoog City, the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (CLENRO), the Regional Maritime Unit 10 (RMU 10), and the G7 of the 4th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.
A Dive Beyond Duty
Far from a routine operation, the “Scubasurero” initiative transformed uniformed personnel into environmental frontliners. Equipped with scuba gear and mesh sacks, divers descended beneath the surface to retrieve marine debris ranging from plastic waste and discarded fishing gear to other pollutants threatening coral habitats and aquatic life.
Puntod Shoal, known for its ecological importance and vibrant marine biodiversity, has increasingly faced environmental pressures due to human activity. The Gingoog City Pier, meanwhile, serves as a vital economic and transport hub—making it equally vulnerable to waste accumulation.
By targeting both sites, organizers underscored the urgent need to balance development with conservation.
Women’s Month, A Broader Call to Action
The cleanup drive also formed part of the month-long celebration of Women’s Month, lending deeper meaning to the initiative. While traditionally focused on gender empowerment, this year’s observance in Gingoog City expanded its scope—highlighting the role of collective action and inclusive participation in safeguarding natural resources.
Officials noted that the activity symbolized not only environmental responsibility but also the strength of unity across sectors—government agencies, uniformed services, and local communities working side by side.
Strengthening Community and Environmental Resilience
The success of the operation reflects a growing recognition among institutions that environmental protection is a shared responsibility. By involving multiple agencies—from tourism and fisheries to law enforcement and the military—the effort demonstrated a holistic approach to addressing marine pollution.
Beyond the immediate removal of waste, the initiative aimed to raise awareness among residents and stakeholders about the long-term impacts of improper waste disposal, particularly in coastal and marine environments.
Participants emphasized that activities like “Scubasurero” are not one-time events but part of a continuing campaign to instill environmental consciousness and civic responsibility.
Sustaining the Momentum
As Gingoog City continues to position itself as both a tourism destination and a steward of natural resources, initiatives like this serve as a reminder that sustainable progress depends on protecting the very ecosystems that support livelihoods and biodiversity.
With renewed commitment from participating agencies, the March 20 cleanup signals more than just a successful dive—it marks a deeper, ongoing effort to restore and preserve the country’s marine heritage, one seabed at a time.