1 weekend, 8 beach sites, 2.3 tons of trash removed: MPIF’s Shore It Up! is driving a national ocean cleanup
Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF), the corporate social responsibility arm of Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC), mobilized a total of 2,894 volunteers, removed 2.3 tons of marine debris, and planted 600 mangroves, at its largest Shore It Up! The weekend is now – an annual marine conservation campaign that brings together communities in eight partner areas: Del Carmen, Siargao; Alaminos, Pangasinan; Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro; Medina, Misamis Oriental; Cordova, Cebu; Marinduque; Mabini, Batangas; and our partner organizations the Tubbataha Reefs Management Office and the Resort Owners Association of Mabini, Batangas.
Held every last weekend of March, Shore It Up! The weekend, now on its 18thth year, is a major effort by MPIF to preserve the coast and the sea, which is focused this year on the slogan “One Hour for the World, One Weekend for Our Coast.” Across the country, communities have undertaken systematic coastal and underwater cleanups and mangrove planting programs. As part of the weekend, participating sites also observed Earth Hour with local activities, which coincided with a broader call to environmental action.
Collective Action Across Communities
The Marine Protection, Inspection and Conservation Guardian, and Eco-guides from the Mangrove Protection Information Center and the Mangrove Propagation and Information Center, are joined by hundreds of volunteers – including local residents, fishermen, students, youth groups, community organizations, dive groups, and environmental activists. Working closely with local government units and partners, they removed waste from both coastal areas and near-shore waters. At all sites, activities were designed based on local area needs and priorities.
From collection to disposal, all participating sites follow a systematic approach to waste management, with 2.3 metric tons of waste separated and recorded. Plastic bottles, at 13,054 pieces, accounted for the largest portion of collected waste, followed by food wrappers, plastic cups and plates, plastic bags, and plastic bottle caps. Marine debris was sorted, documented, and transferred to appropriate channels using local waste management programs and partner agencies. This ensured that cleanup efforts were not only quick but thorough, leaving sites clean, restored, and properly managed in the end.
“This weekend showed what sustainable, collective action can look like when communities come together with a common goal. At all of our partner sites, we saw people take ownership of their coastal areas – not just by removing waste, but by being part of a larger effort to protect and preserve them,” said MPIF President Melody del Rosario. “Shore It Up! has always been about working in partnership with communities, and this year’s numbers and results show how that mission continues to grow.”
Community-Led Initiatives Across Sites
In all participating areas, local government units and communities have increased the impact of Shore It Up! The weekend goes beyond its core activities with locally driven efforts that align with their approach to environmental stewardship. In Del Carmen, Siargao and Puerto Galera, activities included the opening and blessing of mangrove areas, supporting ongoing coastal restoration efforts. Del Carmen also brings the community together through festivals that highlight sustainable fashion and culture.
In Marinduque, Earth Hour awareness took a more visual tone with a candle-lit commitment wall titled “Outside Earth Hour: What Will I Change?” held at the provincial capitol grounds, followed the next day by the exchange of environmentally friendly items, including metal waste bins donated to barangay councils. Meanwhile, in Cordova, Cebu, local government offices, including the Public Information Office and the tourism office, participated in the program to turn off the lights during Earth Hour, highlighting the role of institutions in promoting environmental responsibility.
Beyond the Weekend: Turning Action into Lasting Impact
While the impact of Shore It Up! The weekend is reflected in the amount of waste produced, the value of which goes beyond the cleaning itself. Global studies continue to highlight the extent and persistence of marine litter, particularly plastics, and the need for coordinated action from source to sea. At the community level, programs like Shore It Up! to help translate awareness into participation, showing how collective, local efforts can contribute to broader environmental outcomes.
Working closely with coastal communities and local partners, MPIF continues to strengthen the foundation for sustainable marine conservation. Through Shore It Up!, the Foundation not only supports immediate environmental restoration but also the long-term goal of protecting biodiversity, sustaining livelihoods, and promoting responsible management of the nation’s coastal resources.
Driving Impact Across the Sustainable Development Goals
Aligned with Gabay Kalikasan, one of MVP Group’s Gabay Advocacies for a Sustainable Philippines, Shore It Up! actively supports these United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through its integrated, community-driven approach to conservation.
Shore It Up! The weekend shows how a single, coordinated campaign can advance multiple Sustainable Development Goals in parallel. By bringing communities together to manage waste and protect common areas, this initiative contributes to sustainable and resilient communities (SDG 11), while its focus on coastal and marine protection supports life underwater (SDG 14).
Efforts to plant mangroves and ecosystem restoration continue to strengthen health on earth (SDG 15) and improve natural defenses against climate risks (SDG 13). Key to these efforts is collaboration between local governments, communities, and partner organizations, highlighting the role of partnerships (SDG 17) in driving long-term environmental impact.
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