In celebration of Month of the Ocean 2025, the Philippine Ports Authority – Port Management Office Misamis Oriental/Cagayan de Oro (PPA PMO-MO/C) joined a coastal clean-up spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on May 23, 2025. With the theme “Unlocking Ocean-Based Solutions to Climate Change,” the activity aimed to promote ocean conservation and climate awareness. A total of 24 personnel from PPA PMO-MO/C participated, with the office assigned to Bitan-ag Creek (Coastal Road) alongside volunteers from Barangay Lapasan, CLENRO, PCG, and other partner agencies. The activity also forms part of the PMO’s compliance with the conditions of its Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and its continued implementation of the Green Port Award System (GPAS), highlighting its commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible port operations.

Further, volunteers gathered at the San Juan covered court at 5:30 AM for a short program. A representative from Barangay Lapasan welcomed participants and stressed the importance of community action in protecting marine ecosystems. The DENR focal person gave instructions on clean-up procedures and documentation using the Trash Data Form. After a brief group dance to energize the crowd, volunteers proceeded to their assigned areas.

The PPA PMO-MO/C team collected approximately 30 sacks of trash, estimated to weigh around 600 kilograms, along the Bitan-ag Creek (Coastal Road) shoreline. All collected waste was recorded using the Trash Data Form for submission to the DENR for analysis, reinforcing PPA PMO-MO/C’s ongoing commitment to environmental protection and inter-agency collaboration in preserving the country’s marine and coastal resources.