THE RIDGE to Reef Inc. will give assistance to the 350 volunteers of Bantay Dagat Association of Davao City as part of the proceeds of the Ridge to Reef Environmental Run V2.0 on June 23 at NCCC Victoria Plaza.
During the Wednesdays Habi at Kape Media Forum in Abreeza Ayala Malls, Ridge to Reef, Inc. lead organizer Dana Gabrielle B. Tautho said this year’s Ridge to Reef Environmental Run beneficiaries will be from their partner Bantay Dagat Association of Davao City to help their facility and cleaning activities in coastal areas.
“That’s why we have chosen them to become the beneficiary because through the years consistent sila sa effort nila na every weekend nag coastal clean up talaga sila. Nakita talaga namin kung gaano ka dami yung basura na co-collect nila every weekend,” she end
The benefit consists of financial assistance depending on the number of participants joining the event.
“That’s why we are encouraging everyone or sana madaming masasali this year. Madaming magpapa register because the more chances of winning tayo, masmadami tayong mabibigay na financial aid sa ating beneficiary if ma hit talaga natin ng target or more para dito sa fun run na ito,” she said.
Tautho also added they expect around 600 participants to join the event and 300 participants already registered. They hope to conduct awareness and information campaigns on solid waste management in barangays.
According to Raffy E. Bermejo of the Bantay Dagat Association of Davao City, they will continue to clean the coastal areas of waste, particularly PET bottles and other marine pollutants.
“Pero yung nakausap namin yung barangay captain, ang solution nila is to cover the area with the land. Bali iearthfill nila yun doon to keep the waste underground. So yun yung solution ng barangay pero sa amin ang concern lang namin kung ano yung exposed we’re getting it every Saturday of the month,” he said.
Bermejo also added that they continue to educate people on waste management, such as building a structure in the shape of a fish for the children to participate in.
Last year, the Ridge to Reef Environmental Run advocated for tree-growing and beating plastic pollution with beneficiaries from the Matigsalug tribe in the Marilog District. They also had barred plans to plant an additional 1,500 trees by the end of the year 2023.
Photo: Bing Gonzales
