Employees of Tanduay Distillers Inc. rolled up their sleeves and joined thousands of volunteers for the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) in Manila Bay on Sept. 20, collecting nearly 200 kilograms of trash along Dolomite Beach.
The group, part of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) nationwide campaign, gathered 191.21 kilograms of waste during the effort.
“By participating in the ICC, we are reinforcing our commitment to sustainable and responsible business practices,” said Francheska Cruz, Tanduay Group Safety, Environment and Risk Management Officer, noting that the company has long supported cleanups and tree-planting drives.
Tanduay employees described the experience as both tiring and rewarding. Mel Reyes, from the accounting department, said it was “eye-opening” to see how small acts like collecting litter can protect marine life and communities.
Administrative staff Renchester Amores added that the cleanup went beyond individual action: “It’s a collaborative effort – for people, for the environment, and for the country.”
The ICC, billed as the world’s largest volunteer movement for ocean protection, drew more than 25,000 participants across Metro Manila this year and 86,000 nationwide at 298 sites. The 2025 theme was “Clean Seas Against the Climate Crisis.”
