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Friday, March 29, 2024

Siargao takes part in drive vs pollution

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Coinciding with the Month of the Ocean, International Day for Biological Diversity, World Environment Day, World Ocean’s Day and the International Year of the Reef 2018, Siargao island, the country’s major surfing destination, has joined the rest of the world in adopting a movement to solve the pollution caused by plastic bottles through the so-called “ecobricks.”

Ecobricks are made of used plastic bottles packed tight with used, cleaned and dried plastic to create building blocks that can be used over and over again. 

Ecobricks can also be packed with other non-biological wastes that are toxic to the environment [i.e. styrofoam, wires, small batteries, etc.].  

“This initiative aims to transform plastic waste into building materials for the development of the island and to help provide livelihood for our citizens,” said Surigao Del Norte Rep. Bingo Matugas.

The local government and community stakeholders in Siargao Island have started a campaign to rid the fast-rising surfing destination of plastic waste.

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Matugas recently joined local government executives from various municipalities of the province, public school officials, non-government organization representatives and LGBT groups in conducting an ecobricks starter workshop in the municipality of General Luna.

General Luna is the site of the world-rated Siargao International Surfing Competition held annually during the month of September.  

Also in attendance at the ecobricks workshop were the heads of the public high schools from the nine towns of Surigao Del Norte, LGBT groups from the municipalities of General Luna, Socorro, Pilar and Santa Monica, and even municipal sports coordinators.

The Surigao del Norte solon said they were mobilizing the community of the island-resort to embark on ecology and livelihood initiatives amid concerns over environmental issues confronting the country’s tourist destinations.

“We hope to prevent such problems even before we have them here in Siargao,” said Matugas.

“Ecobricks are used to make modular furniture, garden spaces, walls and even full-scale buildings. Ecobricks are a collaboration powered technology that provides a zero-cost solution for individuals, households, schools andcommunities.  Ecobricks are an exciting way that we can take action today to stop pollution and start envisioning a healthier way of living with the cycles of life,” according to ecobricks.org.

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