RC Cebu Gloria Maris Cleans Up Marigondon’s Coastal Waters to Preserve Marine Life and Community Health

Before dawn on September 13, 2025, the usually calm waters of Marigondon, Lapulapu City, shimmered under a rising sun as the Rotary Club of Cebu Gloria Maris (RCCGM) gathered with energized volunteers for a vital mission: the Coastal & Underwater Clean-Up Drive. This collaborative effort with the Dive and Clean Up Club transformed the coastal area into a vibrant front of environmental stewardship and community activism.

By 6:30 AM sharp, RCCGM volunteers, including Immediate Past President Myra Urbiztondo, Rotarian. Alden Urbiztondo, Directors Evelyn Mercader and Floramay Gonzales, Assistant Secretary Jabemarie Maquiling, and Rotarian Ludy Demecillo, teamed up with passionate non-Rotarian volunteers Jecil, Ella, Tanya, Tricia, Lexie and Keith. Their enthusiasm was palpable as they prepared their scuba gear and cleaning equipment, fully ready to dive into the task.

The clean-up went beyond the surface; Directors Floramay Almirez and Evelyn Mercader with Asst. Secretary Jabemarie Maquiling actively participated in discovery diving, plunging beneath the waves to remove debris embedded in the coral reefs and seabed. Their hands carefully gathered plastics, discarded fishing nets, and other pollutants that threatened marine biodiversity. “The ocean’s health directly reflects our community’s well-being—the clearer the waters, the brighter our future,” remarked Asst. Secretary Maquiling as she surfaced, triumphant yet humbled.

Every piece of trash collected told a story of human neglect — plastic bottles entangled in coral, nets strangling seaweeds, and debris scattered across the seafloor. The team’s tireless efforts not only restored the beauty of Marigondon’s waters but also safeguarded habitats crucial to countless marine species and local fishers’ livelihoods. 

“Protecting our waters means protecting the source of life and livelihood for generations,” said IPP Myra Urbiztondo, emphasizing the enduring impact of their work.

Volunteers worked in synchronized harmony, exhibiting the Rotary spirit of service above self. The underwater scenes contrasted with shore activities, where team members collected trash from coastal areas, preparing the environment to be free of hazards both in water and along the shore.

As the drive concluded, the effects of the combined efforts became evident — clearer waters, healthier reefs, and a revitalized community commitment toward environmental conservation. 

The clean-up was more than an act of removal; it was a bold statement of hope and responsibility to preserve nature’s precious balance.