JOSE RIZAL MEMORIAL STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF LAW
LEGAL COUNSELING AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

REACTION PAPER

By ERROL DELSONN M. TORTOLA on

COASTAL CLEANUP

Recently the whole JRMSU Natural Resources and Environmental Law class in (NREL) had conducted a
Beach Clean-Up on October 20, 2019 at the Dipolog City Boulevard, spearheaded by the revered
environmental advocate Judge Deborah Nazario. The group chose the City Boulevard for the event. The
purpose the Coastal Cleanup was to expose the students to actual environmental cleanup, check the
status of the beaches as to waste materials and the disposal thereof. It was also mainly a way to contribute
something to the environment.

Several pertinent laws apply to the activity which is related to previous discussions in the class. One noted
is Republic Act No. 9512 otherwise known as the "Environmental Awareness and Education Act of
2008" which is consistent with the policy of the State to protect and advance the right of the
people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature,
and in recognition of the vital role of the youth in nation building and the role of education to
foster patriotism and nationalism, accelerate social progress, and promote total human liberation
and development, the State shall promote national awareness on the role of natural resources in
economic growth and the importance of environmental conservation and ecological balance
towards sustained national development. This law integrates environmental education in school
curricula at all levels, whether public or private, including in barangay daycare, preschool, non-
formal, technical vocational, professional level, indigenous learning and out of school youth
courses or programs.

RA 9512 provides that environmental education shall encompass environmental concepts - and
principles, environmental laws, the state of international and local environment, local
environmental best practices, the threats of environmental degradation and its impact on human
wellbeing, the responsibility of the citizenry to the environment and the value of conservation,
protection and rehabilitation of natural resources and the environment in the context of
sustainable development. It shall cover both theoretical and practicum modules comprising of
activities, projects, programs including, but not limited to, tree planting; waste minimization,
segregation, recycling and composting; freshwater and marine conservation; forest management
and conservation; relevant livelihood opportunities and economic benefits; and other such
programs and undertakings to aid the implementation of the different environmental protection
laws.

Another relevant law is Executive Order No. 533, Adopting Integrated Coastal Management as a
National Strategy to Ensure the Sustainable Development of the Country’s Coastal and Marine
Environment and Resources and Establishing Supporting mechanisms for its Implementation. The
law declared that Philippines, is an archipelagic state of more than 7,100 islands with a vast
coastline and rich coastal and marine areas noted to be among the most important and
biologically diverse in the world; coastal and marine areas are vital sources of food, minerals and
raw materials, as well as natural setting for sports, recreation, and other social and cultural
activities; marine-related economic activities, including fisheries, marine transportation, tourism,

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coastal mining, and offshore oil and gas development make significant contributions to the
country’s GDP as well as provide livelihood and employment opportunities to coastal
communities; current trends in coastal migration and increasing human activities on land, coasts
and seas exert pressure on the sustaining capacity of marine areas as well as amplify the risks of
environmental degradation, destruction of vital coastal habitats, loss of marine biological diversity,
and deterioration of near shore water quality.

The class has observed that the Local Government of Dipolog City, including its component
barangays, is very active in these Integrated Coastal Management Programs. As support to these,
the class conducted this coastal clean-up as part of those programs.

During the past and present years, several coastal clean ups were conducted by the LGU. Schedule of
Coastal Cleanups in Dipolog.

October 1, 2018 – “World Habitat Day” Dipolog City Boulevard, Dipolog City Fishport

September 17, 2019 - Coastal Clean Up Brgy. Olingan, Dipolog City

Dipolog City Boulevard, 56th Fish Conservation Week

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 November 11, 2018, Olingan Shoreline Coastal Cleanup Greenbelting Activity
Organized by Dipolog City LGU and CENRO in partnership with Dipolog City Eco Club

Planning and Preparation

Before the actual coastal cleanup, the class had been meticulously briefed and educated as regards to the
possibilities that the students might encounter in the beach. We had been given a summary of types of
waste materials including plastics, cigarette butts, water bottles and even hazardous wastes, a list of
common tools were also required such as empty sacks, hoes and shovels. Judge Nazario provided the
constructive ways to answer and address every situation. Several laws and regulation were enumerated
and given emphasis in order to be read before the actual cleanup. On the other hand, other matters like
the food and transportation were also being discussed and constantly being followed up for smooth
implementation. Planning and execution is the key.

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Actual Cleanup

On October 20 at 5:00AM, the class assembled in Dipolog Boulevard. The sky was still pitch black and the
only light we saw was that of the city. Across the road was the large Cross, illuminated by a series of purple
lights.

After greeting each other, we decided to start cleaning. But before we could start, we were welcomed by
the greatness of God’s creation. What a stunning view- the sunrise.

Nothing could ever surpass the motivation in cleaning this beach than the inspiration we got after this
majestic view. The mirroring waters of the calm sea, the smooth sands of the morning blackness, gently
tries to engulf each other as they meet on the edge of the shore. The fresh coldness of October air and
the tender rising of the morning sun offers warmth to our melting hearts. A we hold our shovels and sacks
and bolos, we couldn’t close our eyes in awe to the sweetness of this loving couple walking barefoot in
the sand.

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Cleaning Proper

The class feeling motivated, started to gather plastic wastes and broken glass bottles. Among the items
collected were sachets of hair products, detergent soaps and beverages. I was unfortunate enough to pick
up a transparent plastic which contained smelly human feces. Thankfully, I got gloves on. Diapers and
napkins were also collected, including a pair of underwear. Judge Nazario also joined us as was actually
picking up waste materials and dirt.

The NREL Class went to cover the ground from the breakwater to the landmark “Explore Dipolog”. The
walk and constant bending back and forth was more than a morning exercise as the sweats began to wet
our purple college of law uniforms. The ambience thought was jolly because we have music pounding
nearby, courtesy of Judge Nazario. We had covered approximately 2 kilometers of shore that morning.

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Though, the beach was recently cleaned the day before, we still have gathered a decent amount of
garbage. Six (6) full sacks of waste is not bad.

The sacks were collected by the LGU Solid waste disposal team right after we left the site.

Identifying Problems

Her main concern, which was also ours was the discipline of the people using the beach. All sorts of people
gather on this beach for different purposes. Some for fishing and mostly for recreation. Despite the
constant cleaning on this beach, the flow of waste was never eradicated or minimized. This boils down to
the people. Discipline is the key. Good thing Ordinance 123 is in force to curb these violators.

Conclusion

The government programs and their efforts will not be sustainable if the people does not support them.
The idea of environmental sustainability does not rest upon a single person’s shoulders. It rest upon all of
us. It is a cooperative effort. All hands are needed. The law to which change must be done should have
claws as sharp as its motives. Whoever crosses the line must face the full force of this law. For we are not
only saving the environment of ourselves, but we save it for them, the children and the future generations.

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ERROL DELSONN M. TORTOLA

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