DOZENS of young volunteers fanned out across the beaches of Opol at dawn on July 19, sacks in hand, collecting plastic bottles, food wrappers and other debris.
The cleanup drive, dubbed Project B.L.U.E. (Balik Limpyo: a Unified Environmental initiative), marked the launch of a coastal cleanup festival jointly organized by youth-led nonprofit Hirang na Hiraya and the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) councils of Barangays Igpit and Barra.
Organizers said the event aimed to foster environmental stewardship and build awareness of the urgent challenges facing coastal communities.
“As SK Chairperson of Barangay Igpit, I am deeply proud to be part of the successful Project B.L.U.E. Coastal Clean-Up Carnival, a milestone not only for environmental protection but for youth awakening,” said Christ Lourence T. Divinosa.
Divinosa added that educational stations equipped participants with insights on ecological solid waste management from MENRO Opol, the vision behind the Universal Declaration of Ocean Rights, and real-world solutions to ocean and plastic pollution from advocates like Pinky Varga of Plastik Republik.
“These were more than talks; they were sparks that lit a fire in our youth to lead, to care, and to act,” Divinosa said.
The initiative featured three educational stations where participants attended short talks on Solid Waste Management, the Universal Declaration of Ocean Rights (UDOR), and Plastic Waste Recycling and Management.
The event culminated in a declaration of a Climate Emergency for the barangays of Igpit and Barra. SK chairmen from both barangays signed the resolution alongside representatives from Hirang na Hiraya, in the presence of local youth volunteers.
Opol, located less than 10 kilometers from Cagayan de Oro City, is a popular weekend destination known for its beach resorts. However, local residents and youth say the area is increasingly threatened by pollution and climate-related coastal degradation.
“I believe that Project B.L.U.E., which stands for Balik Limpyo: A Unified Environmental Initiative, is more than just a clean-up campaign; it is a meaningful movement that empowers communities, especially the youth, to take part in preserving and protecting our environment,” said Ed Vincent Mabao, SK Chairperson of SK Barra Council.
Mabao emphasized that the collaborative effort addresses the urgent issue of ocean and plastic pollution while promoting youth leadership, environmental responsibility, and unity.
“During the activity, we had fun and gained a lot of knowledge about Project B.L.U.E.,” Mabao said.
With the declaration of a climate emergency, these youth advocates hope it will spur concrete policy steps, including stricter waste disposal measures and increased investment in community education and climate resilience.
