Tanduay Distillers Inc. (TDI), affirming its commitment to environmental sustainability, was among the private companies that heeded the call of thr Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to gather volunteers for the International Coastal Cleanup (ICI) Day 2025.
TDI employee-volunteers took part in the coastal cleanup of Manila Bay Dolomite Beach on Sept. 20. They collected a total of 191.21 kilograms of waste from the shoreline.
“By participating in the ICC, we further reinforced our company-wide commitment to sustainable and responsible business practices,” Francheska Cruz, Tanduay Group Safety, Environment and Risk Management officer, said.
Cruz said TDI has been joining coastal cleanups and tree-planting activities for years now.
Sustainability Reporting staff Jona Lalo said their participation in the ICC was also part of Tanduay’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts.
“We have different CSR efforts in a year, not just in our head office, but also in our plants,” she said, referring to their plants in Cabuyao, Laguna; El Salvador, Misamis Oriental; and Murcia, Negros Occidental.
Mel Reyes of TDI’s Accounting department said it was fulfilling to participate in what seemed like a simple act of collecting waste.
“We help protect marine life, keep our coast clean, and benefit the community that depends on it,” he said. “It reminds us that our daily choices really do affect the environment.”
Repeat volunteer Ariane Fuentes said the activity was satisfying more than it was exhausting.
“It made me happy to know that I helped in making a positive impact for the fture,” she said.
The ICC is the world’s largest volunteer effort for ocean and waterway protection, with this year’s theme “Clean Seas Against the Climate Crisis.” PNA
The DENR said at least 25,000 volunteers from different partner organizations joined the cleanup activities in Metro Manila alone. Nationwide, an estimated 86,000 volunteers took part across 298 sites and collected 460,000 kg of waste.
The other major cleanup locations were Baseco Lagoon and Pasig River (Pandacan) in Manila, SM by the Bay in Pasay City, Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park, Tanza Marine Tree Park in Navotas, Tullahan River in Quezon City, and Aseana City and Solaire Resort coastal areas, both in Parañaque.
The Department of Foreign Affairs-Maritime and Ocean Affairs Office also joined the cleanup activity, which coincided with the 125th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary month.
“Marine debris, particularly plastics, threatens marine life, disrupts ecosystems, and endangers the livelihoods of coastal communities,” the agency said in a statement. “The ICC champions sustainable practices and upholds our shared responsibility as stewards of the environment.” PNA
