International Coastal Clean-up/National Clean-up Month

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INTERNATIONAL COASTAL CLEANUP

In celebration of the National Clean-up Month, the Dept of Environment and Natural Resources - NCR has prepared a line up of activities for the month of September.  

What is ICC?

The month of September was declared "National Clean-up Month" by virtue of Proclamation No. 244 signed by former President Fidel V. Ramos, its purpose is to encourage citizens to clean and preserve nature as everyone's contribution to the conservation and protection of the environment and natural resources, and also to be the country's contribution to the environmental conservation efforts around the world.

Also included in the month of September is the annual holding of the "International Coastal Clean-up or ICC", which is said to be the largest gathering of volunteers for the simultaneous cleaning of seas, rivers, lakes, and other waterways around the world to fight the threat of ocean pollution.

ICC is the largest volunteer effort in the world devoted to cleaning the ocean and finding solutions to ocean pollution. Held every third Saturday of September each year. The first coastal cleanup was organized by Ocean Conservancy, a US-based non-profit organization, in 1986 and was held on the coast of Texas, USA.

ICC in the Philippines

The Philippines first started joining the ICC in 1994. In 2003, then-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo issued Proclamation No. 470 formally declaring the third Saturday of September as ICC Day.

ICC in National Capital Region

The DENR National Capital Region was active in holding the ICC in 2014 where it organized a simultaneous clean-up drive in different areas here in Metro Manila. Since then, it has been regularly participated by thousands of cleanup volunteers. Especially in 2019, when the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Program also known by the hashtag “Battle for Manila Bay” was also launched.

What makes ICC different from other clean-up activities?

What makes the ICC unique, aside from the simultaneous and coordinated global execution is the emphasis on organized scientific data collection. Volunteers are requested, not only to pick up litter but also to identify and record the rubbish on a standardized data card. The debris information generated is encoded into a database for analysis by pollution specialists who are racing against time to develop solutions to the marine debris problem.

Process of recording cleanup data

The focal person/office shall ensure that all cleanup volunteers are well aware of the “TeamDENRNCR” system that shall be observed during the cleanup. The “#TeamDENRNCR” will require volunteers to group themselves into at least five (5) members each and assign a Trash Collector, Trash Sorter, and Trash Data Encoder for their team. The focal person/office should assign a team to a particular area in the cleanup site to avoid overcrowding.

The Trash Data Encoder will be responsible for recording the type and quantity of trash collected by their team in the ICC Trash Data Form, which will be provided by the designated focal person of the cleanup site. The e-copy of the form shall be received by the participants prior to the cleanup day to reproduce and distribute.

The Trash Data Encoder shall be in charge of proper recording in the ICC Trash Data Form the type and quantity (per piece and/or bulk weight) of all the trash that their team can recover during the cleanup.

After the cleanup, volunteers must submit their accomplished ICC Trash Data Form to the focal person/office of DENR-NCR per site for accounting and consolidation of collected trash data. The same will be consolidated per cleanup site for submission to the RSCIG. RSCIG shall consolidate the forms for the drafting of the regional report.


2023 Metro Manila’s Identified Cleanup Sites

1. SM By The Bay, Pasay City;

2. Las Piñas – Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP);

3. Baseco Beach, Manila City;

4. Tanza Marine Tree Park (TMTP), Navotas City;

5. Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach;

6. Shores of Brgys. Tangos North and South, Navotas City;

7. Tullahan River, Brgy. San Bartolome, Novaliches in Quezon City;

8. Pasig River (Lawton Ferry Station);

9. H20 Hotel in Manila Ocean Park, Roxas Boulevard, Manila; and

10. Back of Solaire Hotel and Resort Casino, Brgy. Tambo, Parañaque City

How to join?

- Register

- Coordination

- Orientation

- Prepare cleaning implements

- Be on time

The first thing to do is register at this link found on the official Facebook page of the DENR National Capital Region. When registering, select any of the ten cleanup sites you want to participate in.

Part of the registration form is if you are a solo participant, as a family or barkada, and as part of an organization. Note, that it is important to register through the link as the DENR-NCR strictly does not accept walk-in participants at the cleanup sites to avoid overcrowding. Priority to be given orientation and admission to the designated sites for those who have registered through our link.

Once done, the next step is to wait for official communication from the designated focal person of your preferred site. You will also be advised for a formal orientation about ICC to know the do's and don'ts when it comes to cleaning, and other important details for it.

ICC is a volunteer activity, so don't forget to bring cleaning materials. Bring your own food and water tumbler too. Of course, wear comfortable clothes.

And of course, after orientation, are you ready? Because the ICC day is here next. Go to your cleanup site at the time that the focal persons will give you.



Sea you there!

India's ICC World Cup Squad Selection: Balancing Fear and Courage

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The stage is set, the stakes are high, and India's ICC World Cup team selection has ignited debates across cricketing circles. With a blend of apprehension and audacity, the team aims to conquer the cricketing world.


India's Bold Yet Cautious World Cup Squad Selection

India's upcoming ICC World Cup selection has divided cricket enthusiasts. The team seems to be walking a tightrope between fear and courage as they attempt to assemble a squad capable of winning the prestigious tournament. This article delves into the team's choices and the underlying apprehension that guided their selection decisions.

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Fear of Lower-Order Runs

One glaring fear influencing India's squad selection is the concern about lower-order batting. What if the tailenders, batting at No. 8 to No. 11, fail to contribute those crucial 20 runs when needed most? Including players like Shardul Thakur and Axar Patel is an attempt to address this concern. India hopes these all-rounders can bolster the lower order and provide the much-needed firepower.

Spin Conundrum: Ashwin or Chahal?

Another critical dilemma is the selection of spinners. The fear of spinners failing with the ball and bat led to hesitation in choosing between experienced campaigners like Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal. It seems India was apprehensive about sacrificing batting depth for bowling prowess, opting for a squad that seeks to balance both aspects without unwavering conviction.

Inconsistent Middle-Order

The uncertainty surrounding the middle-order batting is also evident. What if the middle order doesn't perform as expected? This fear pushed the selectors to consider Ishan Kishan as a left-handed option, hoping to add more stability. However, questions linger about Kishan's consistency at the international level despite his impressive performance against Pakistan in the Asia Cup.

Pitch Selection Strategy

Before the tournament, there was a strategic choice in selecting venues with slow, spin-friendly tracks, seemingly tailored to India's strengths. It appeared to be a clever move to neutralize opponents' strengths. However, this plan lost its steam, as the selectors lacked the confidence to persist. They withdrew Ashwin and Chahal from the race, fearing a lack of batting depth.

Dependence on Key Players

India's World Cup campaign heavily relies on the performances of a few key players. Kuldeep Yadav must step up as the primary wicket-taker in the middle overs, while Hardik Pandya is responsible for contributing vital runs from the lower order. The team's fate may hinge on whether these players can consistently deliver under pressure.

Uncertainty in Bowling Combinations

The fear of a weak batting lineup has also cast doubt on the team's bowling combinations. It remains unclear whether India will have the confidence to unleash both Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah together or if they'll opt for a more balanced approach. The fear of losing batting power could influence this crucial decision.

Lack of Conviction in Selections

One overarching theme is the lack of conviction in India's squad selections. Throughout the lead-up to the tournament, the team experimented with several players, only to discard them quickly. This indecision raises questions about the selection process and its effectiveness. Including players like Deepak Hooda and Venkatesh Iyer, who were eventually dropped, remains puzzling.

Wrapping Up

India's ICC World Cup squad selection perfectly balances fear and courage. While the team has sought to address various weaknesses, there is a palpable apprehension about the squad's overall balance. The success of this campaign hinges on inspired captaincy from Rohit Sharma and intelligent XI selections by Rahul Dravid. Whether they can rise above their fears and uncertainties to become great leaders in cricket's history remains to be seen. The World Cup will serve as the ultimate test of their legacy, and whether they succeed or falter, it will not come as a complete shock given the turbulent journey of squad selection.

Waypoints Project conducts media training on maritime security issues

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In time for Maritime and Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month, the Waypoints Project conducted a Media Training on Civil Maritime Governance on September 8, 2023.

The three-hour in-person event provided basic information on civil maritime governance for journalists from various publications and news organizations to aid in understanding the intricacies of reporting about issues within the sector.

The training was conducted against the backdrop of varying issues arising from maritime governance, including escalating tensions on the West Philippine Sea and the Marcos administration’s push for programs prioritizing the ‘blue economy’ - a framework of management and development of ocean resources. The training also emphasized the importance of passing the Maritime Zones (MZ) Law, which will declare the Philippine maritime zones based on standards set by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It will also clarify the geographical extent of the Philippine maritime domain and the legal powers that the Philippine government may exercise. The House of Representatives approved House Bill 7819 or the proposed Philippine Maritime Zones Act in May 2023 while several versions of the Maritime Zones Bill have been filed in the Senate.

Speakers included Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya from the National Security Council, Dr. Rosalie Hall, Political Science professor from the University of the Philippines Visayas; Dr. Laura David, Professor from the University of the Philippines, and Julio Amador, founder of Amador Research Services and Senior Adviser for Waypoints Project. The event was moderated by Anna Oposa, Executive Director for Save Philippine Seas and communications advisor for Waypoints Project.

“The MZ Law will not only delineate the country’s maritime zones but will also serve as a foundational policy that can help improve the Philippines' maritime governance and the implementation of current and subsequent maritime laws,” said Julio Amador, Waypoints Senior Adviser.

The journalists who attended the media training learned about the depth and breadth of civil maritime governance issues in the Philippines including matters of security and sovereignty, blue economy, food security, and environmental protection.

The Waypoints Project supports initiatives to address issues in the civil maritime security sector and establishing multiple avenues for communication and discussion that will engage key stakeholders on Philippine civil maritime issues. For more information, please contact projectwaypoints@amadorresearchservices.com.