PAGUDPUD, Ilocos Norte — A coastal clean-up drive was conducted on March 22, 2025 at the Pagudpud Municipal Beach Park, a popular tourist destination in Ilocos Norte, with the goal of maintaining the cleanliness of the coastline and protecting marine life.
Jefferson Villanueva, officer-in-charge of the beach park, emphasized the importance of preserving the cleanliness of oceans and coastlines. He explained that when trash reaches the ocean, it is consumed by marine animals like fish and sea turtles. This leads to a decrease in marine life which has a negative impact on fishing and tourism. “The preservation of our environment is essential for the health of our oceans and for the livelihood of local fishermen,” he said.
Naneth Alupay-Quindoy, a 35-year resident of the area, expressed gratitude for the efforts. “We are happy because you are helping our environment,” she said.
In addition to the clean-up efforts, Brother Benjamin Buena, a minister of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC), highlighted the importance of proper waste disposal. He explained that all the trash that the participants have collected were loaded into garbage trucks and disposed of by the local government, the Solid Waste Management Office. Teamwork plays a vital role in maintaining a clean and orderly environment, he added.
The Iglesia Ni Cristo is a Christian religion and community partner that helps. It has active members and congregations in more than 160 countries and territories.
For more about the Church and its activities, please visit www.iglesianicristo.net