GENERAL SANTOS CITY – As plastic pollution continues to threaten marine ecosystems and coastal communities across the Philippines, a group of young volunteers demonstrated that meaningful environmental change begins with collective action.
On the morning of July 26, 2026, members of ASEZ WAO (Save the Earth from A to Z – We Are One), the young adult worker volunteer group of the World Mission Society Church of God, gathered at South Bay in Barangay Dadiangas South, General Santos City, for a coastal clean-up drive aimed at reducing marine litter and promoting environmental stewardship.
Held from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m., the activity mobilized enthusiastic volunteers who combed the shoreline to collect discarded plastic waste, bottles, food packaging, and other debris that could eventually find their way into the sea, posing serious risks to marine life and coastal ecosystems.
The clean-up campaign formed part of ASEZ WAO’s continuing global environmental advocacy under the banner “Save the Earth from A to Z as One Family,” a vision that encourages communities to work together in protecting the planet through practical volunteerism and sustainable environmental practices.
A Growing Threat to Coastal Communities
Plastic pollution remains one of the greatest environmental challenges affecting the country’s coastlines. Improperly discarded waste often ends up in rivers and eventually flows into the ocean, where it threatens marine biodiversity, damages habitats, and impacts communities that rely on healthy coastal waters for their livelihood.
Recognizing these challenges, ASEZ WAO emphasized that protecting the environment requires not only government intervention but also active participation from ordinary citizens, particularly the youth.
By removing waste from the shoreline, volunteers helped prevent trash from being washed into the sea while also sending a powerful message on the importance of responsible waste disposal, environmental awareness, and community involvement.
Inspiring Environmental Responsibility
Beyond collecting litter, the activity sought to educate the public on the harmful effects of plastic pollution and encourage residents to adopt environmentally responsible habits.
ASEZ WAO believes that small acts of service, when multiplied across communities, can create lasting environmental impact. Through volunteer initiatives like the coastal clean-up, the organization hopes to inspire more people to become active stewards of nature and contribute to building cleaner, healthier, and more resilient communities.
The group also highlighted the importance of collaboration among citizens, local government units, and public agencies in addressing environmental concerns that affect everyone.
Strong Community Partnership
The success of the environmental activity was made possible through the support and cooperation of several government offices and community partners.
ASEZ WAO expressed its sincere appreciation to Barangay Dadiangas South, the City Environment Office (CENRO), Waste Management Office (WMO), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) for helping ensure the successful implementation of the clean-up drive.
The organization likewise acknowledged the valuable participation and support of City Councilor Atty. Ramon Melliza, Hon. Jun Apolistico of Barangay Dadiangas South, Allan Marcillo of CENRO, WMO Division Chief John Hitalya, Jonrell Tanay of the Philippine Coast Guard, Hon. Mariel Ruedas of Barangay Lagao, and the many volunteers who devoted their time and effort to protecting the coastal environment.
Volunteerism That Creates Lasting Impact
Environmental advocates have long stressed that preserving the country’s coastlines requires consistent community participation, environmental education, and sustainable waste management practices.
Through initiatives like the South Bay Coastal Clean-Up Drive, ASEZ WAO continues to demonstrate how volunteerism can become a powerful force for environmental protection while fostering unity among citizens from different sectors.
As participants worked side by side under the morning sun, the event served as a reminder that safeguarding the oceans is a shared responsibility—one that begins with simple actions, collective commitment, and a willingness to serve.
With its message, “Protect the Ocean, Reduce Plastic, Inspire Change,” ASEZ WAO hopes to encourage more communities throughout Mindanao and the Philippines to take an active role in protecting the environment for future generations.
The successful coastal clean-up stands not only as an environmental activity but also as a testament to what can be achieved when volunteers, government agencies, and local communities unite toward a common goal: building a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.