#ProudViscans unite for this year's international coastal cleanup day

Visayas State University (VSU) participated in the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), a global project that aims to address ocean pollution via coordinated cleanups of beaches and waterways, for the second year in a row, together with the faculty, staff, and a variety of student organizations.

Every third Saturday in September, the International Conference on Climate Change (ICC) is widely acknowledged as a vital step in addressing the growing problem of marine debris and ocean pollution.

This yearly event at VSU is in line with the school's objective to promote a sustainable and environmentally conscious culture. VSU is an organization that aspires to global ecological consciousness, and its involvement in the ICC shows that it is committed to promoting sustainable practices both on and off campus.

This year's cleanup is but one of the many activities underlining VSU’s dedication to achieving sustainability goals, as outlined in its vision, mission, and institutional goals.

Leading the charge in this year’s ICC efforts at VSU was ProjectSaveMe, a university-wide organization focused on environmental conservation and advocacy. Spearheaded by Mr. John Bolano, the current president of ProjectSaveMe, mobilized faculty, staff, and students to actively participate in cleaning up various water bodies within and around the VSU campus.

This year’s cleanup extended beyond the coastal areas, encompassing rivers, lakes, and other inland water systems that are part of the university’s ecosystem.

The 2024 ICC carried the theme, “Clean Seas for Healthy Fisheries,” which reflects the critical connection between marine health and sustainable food systems. This theme is closely aligned with the United Nations Ocean Decade Challenge 3, which emphasizes the need for sustainable food production from the world’s oceans. 

The challenge calls for balancing the increasing demand for marine resources to feed the global population with the urgent need to protect and preserve marine biodiversity and ecosystems. By joining this global movement, VSU demonstrates its support for the UN’s goals and showcases its efforts in contributing to a sustainable future.

VSU’s participation in the ICC was also part of the 124th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary (PCSA) celebration, with activities like this aligning with Presidential Proclamation No. 470, series of 2003, which designates the third Saturday of September as the official day for the country’s annual coastal clean-up initiatives.

Through this partnership with national and global efforts, VSU continues to uphold its reputation as a forward-thinking institution committed to social and environmental responsibility.

Under the leadership of VSU President Prose Ivy Guasa Yepes, the university’s environmental programs have seen heightened support and participation across the university. 

In a statement, Pres. Yepes emphasized the urgency of collective action. “As an institution deeply rooted in environmental science and advocacy, it is our duty to ensure that we are actively participating in efforts that protect and preserve our natural resources. The International Coastal Cleanup is one of the many platforms where we can make a tangible impact, and it is our hope that by leading these initiatives, we inspire others to join the cause and take responsibility for our shared environment,” she highlighted.

The participation of VSU in the International Coastal Cleanup is not only an expression of its alignment with global and national environmental policies but also a testament to its unwavering commitment to instilling environmental values in its students, faculty, and staff. 

Through partnerships, leadership, and active involvement, VSU remains at the forefront of sustainable advocacy, contributing meaningfully to the protection of our oceans and the broader goal of environmental preservation.

Following the coastal cleanup, VSU faculty, staff, and students engaged in tree-planting activity at Molave Hill. VSU takes pride in being the home of different flora and fauna and has been advocating for rainforestation, the initiative of planting native trees to restore denuded lands. 

[This article aligns with Sustainable Development Goals No: 13 (Climate Action), 14 (Life below Water), and 15 (Life on Land).]

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