LINAMON, Lanao del Norte — Mindanao State University at Naawan joined a multi-sectoral coastal clean-up and waste audit on May 7, 2025, at the coastal area of Barangay Larapan, Linamon, as part of a community initiative organized by the Shunammite Child Learning Center (SCLC) in partnership with the university. The early morning activity, held from 5:00 to 7:00 AM, brought together a diverse group of participants, including SCLC-sponsored children and their parents or caregivers, local residents, personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard Station - Iligan City and its Linamon Sub-Station, and representatives from the Local Government Unit of Linamon. 

A total of 41 sacks of waste, weighing 240.20 kilograms, were collected during the clean-up. The subsequent waste audit, conducted by a team from MSU at Naawan DARES Center led by Dr. Aida D. Perpetua, DARES Center Director, revealed a significant volume of plastic pollution. Plastic wrappers accounted for 42% of the total waste by weight, followed by plastic bottles (25%), diapers (10%), cloth (6%), and paper (5%). In terms of individual waste items, 11,700 pieces were recorded, with plastic wrappers comprising 60%, plastic bottles 19%, paper 8%, other plastic items 5%, and Styrofoam 3%. 

While the volume and composition of waste highlight the pressing need for stronger waste management efforts, it was noted that the waste collected in the area may not necessarily originate from the coastal communities of Barangay Larapan. Ocean currents may carry waste from adjacent barangays and neighboring municipalities, suggesting that pollution in the area is potentially part of a broader regional issue. As such, mitigating measures must extend beyond a single locality and involve widespread, coordinated actions across coastal and inland communities. 

Following the activity, the collected wastes were turned over to the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of Linamon for further processing and proper disposal at the LGU waste management facility. 

The initiative forms part of MSU at Naawan’s broader commitment to environmental advocacy and community-based conservation, reinforcing the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing marine pollution.