The Norwegian Maritime Foundation of the Philippines, Inc. through the Norwegian Training Center – Manila, in collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature, the University of Cebu – Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue Campus, the local government of Looc, Mandaue City, Cebu, and with special participation of the Mandaue City Police Office Station 5, conducted a coastal clean-up activity last February 19, 2023.
This orchestrated effort of the aforementioned institutions aims to secure more sustainable development in one of UCLM’s adopted community, Barangay Looc, Mandaue City. During the said activity, the Project SEA: Sustainability and Environmental Awareness for NSA Cadets was launched. It is a strategy that directly impacts conservation and improvement. It seeks to eradicate trash and wastes from waterways, reshape practices that deplete the environment, and increase awareness of how heinous marine pollution issues are. The said project is also congruent with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG) such as its clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, and life below water.
The activity was attended by Capt. Knut Bentzrod, Deputy Director of Norwegian Training Center – Manila; Mr. Larry Gonzales, Manager of NSA Philippines Cadet Program; Hon. Allan Siazon, Barangay Captain of Looc, Mandaue City; Dr. Anna Liza B. Son, Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs/UCLM Campus Affairs Director; Dr. Richie L. Montebon, CARES Director of UCLM; Ms. Michelle Madonna E. Lañojan, NSA Coordinator of UCLM; Capt. Joy Bongot, Chairperson of College of Marine Transportation; C/M Ian Paul Monggaya, Dean of College of Maritime Education; Mr. Dino Leoncarlo D. Calderon, Program Manager, ESD of WWF Philippines and participated by the NSA cadets and other volunteers.
Anyone can be certain that such a project will significantly contribute, especially for the future, with such people directly involved in amongst our potential seafarers.
Written & Layout by
Steffi Marie L. Ompad