PHILGUARANTEE Joins International Coastal Cleanup 2026 for Clean Seas and Resilient Communities
One with the nation in the belief that resilient communities begin with collective action, Philippine Guarantee Corporation (PHILGUARANTEE) participated in the annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) 2026 held on September 19, 2026 at the SM By the Bay, Central Park.
Guided by this year’s theme, “Clean Seas for Resilient Communities,” the event urged individuals across public and private sectors to join nationwide and global coastal cleanups to remove hazardous debris–such as plastics and metals–and sort recoverable items for proper recycling.
“PHILGUARANTEE’s participation in the International Coastal Cleanup 2026 is an opportunity to put Bayanihan into action. It reflects our deep commitment to environmental stewardship, cleaner coastlines, and sustainable communities,” said SVP Ian A. Briones, the Agency’s Sustainability Champion, and Head of the Corporate Services Group.
“Beyond our core mandate of extending inclusive financing through credit guarantees, we have a corporate social responsibility to ensure that the resulting economic development is environmentally sound. Sometimes, that starts with something as simple as showing up to pick up what doesn’t belong in our waters.” He added.
One of the attendees, Eric Dela Cruz from the Policy Studies and Knowledge Management Division expressed his eagerness in taking part in the activity, citing concerns about the country’s contribution to water pollution.
“I was urged to join the event after reading the international report that identifies the Philippines as the leading contributor of ocean waste. I found it very alarming. Good thing there are cleanup drives such as this where we are able to somehow alleviate this impact to our oceans,” he said.
The national celebration of ICC 2026, spearheaded by the International Coastal Cleanup Philippines and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), was marked by coastal clearing operations held simultaneously all over the country and invited over 6,000 volunteers.
Sites in Metro Manila encompassed the Las Pinas Paranaque Wetland Park; Manila Bay Dolomite Beach; Baseco Beach; Pasig River; Manila Ocean Park; Tanza Marine Tree Park and Bagumbayan North, Navotas City; Marikina River; and Solaire and Aseana Business Park.
The International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), recognized as the world’s largest volunteer effort for the marine environment, was launched by The Ocean Conservancy in 1986. The Philippines’ participation since 1994 was institutionalized by Presidential Proclamation No. 470, signed on September 15, 2003, which declared the third Saturday of September of each year as the country’s official ICC Day.
For 2026, this event is integrated into PHILGUARANTEE’s Climate Change Initiatives, alongside the Corporation’s involvement in other eco-friendly campaigns like the Earth Hour celebration and Manila Water’s Lakbayan.
