Freedom Island and Long Island, collectively known as Freedom Islands, lie in Manila Bay, off the coast of Las Pinas and Paranaque. Because of its important ecological role yet threatened status, they are also called Las Pinas-Paranaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area. The Freedom Islands are the last remaining mangrove and salt marsh frontier in Metro Manila and it serves as a sanctuary for many marine lifeforms and a refuge for more than 80 species of birds, both local and migratory.

But the Freedom Islands are under serious threat in more ways than one. There is an impending reclamation project that will turn the island into a highway linking Las Pinas and Paranaque. If this happens, then this shrinking sanctuary will vanish and so will the birds and other wildlife that depend on it.

But even without the reclamation project, the Islands are on the brink of destruction. Its shores are covered in solid, non-biodegradable garbage from the city, brought in by the waves and the tides.

That’s why we are inviting you to join the COASTAL CLEAN UP on October 23! Let’s all join hands to, once again, clean the shores of the Freedom Islands! Anyone can volunteer and help! If it’s your first time to join, don’t worry. It will be our first time to participate in this project, too! Let’s all help clean up and learn at the same time! Details of the event here:

Photo by Sir Robert Alejandro

It’s a clear manifestation that what we do and our lifestyles in the city affect the ocean and other parts of the world. We are part of a network of ecosystems and if we damage ours, we damage others. We met with Ella of Earth Island Institute Philippines and she told us that most of the trash they found on the beaches of the islands were plastic bags from supermarkets and malls. Clearly, to be able to solve this problem, we need to start with ourselves.

See you all at the Coastal Clean Up this October 23!

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Aside from its sheer beauty, one of the things that we love about Puerto Princesa City in Palawan is that everywhere you look there is a trash bin. These humble containers may have contributed a lot in keeping the city neat and adorable.

But not all places are like Puerto Princesa. We have visited a number of beaches and stayed at several beach resorts and we always find ourselves looking for trash bins. Often there not enough trash bins in the area and sometimes none at all. Although it is not an obligation of the resort owners to instill discipline in their guests but it will be a huge help if they help their guests keep the beach clean simply by providing plenty of garbage bins in strategic places in their resort.

Trash bins at Punta Bulata, Cauayan, Negros Occidental. Nice!

And not just trash bins. It’s high time for us to teach ourselves how to segregate. There was a reason we were taught how to classify items as biodegradable or non-biodegradable in Grade School. Resort and hotel owners must devise and implement an effective waste management system.

But the challenge is not just for the business owners. We, travelers, should also be responsible. We’ve seen tourists totally snubbing these garbage bins like they don’t exist. Throwing trash just anywhere is bad per se but it gets even unforgivable when there are trash cans everywhere and no one is using them! And it’s just totally sad.

Please dispose of your food wrappers and plastic bags and other trash properly. If you can’t find trash bins, then put them in your pockets. You brought trash, take it with you when you leave.

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One of the most depressing sights is a delicate, white sandy beach littered with plastic garbage. In many cases, the more popular the beach is, the less clean it gets. From tiny candy wrappers to seemingly harmless six-pack holders to plastic bags, marine debris does not just make the beach ugly but also poses threat to the wildlife in the area. (Imagine those six-pack holders wrapping around the head of an unsuspecting turtle!)

It’s high time for us beach bums to shape up and stop abusing our beaches. Here are some little ways that we travelers can preserve the pristine beauty of our beaches.

1. Leave nothing but footprints.

We’ve heard this so many times before but are we really practicing it? Take everything you bring to the island with you when you leave. Everything! This is more important in secluded beaches or islands that do not enjoy regular maintenance. Make the island’s caretaker’s job easier by taking with you your trashes. Don’t feel like carrying garbage around? Read on.

2. Reuse!

Avoid using disposable items on the beach. Bring a pair of real spoon and fork with you and ditch those plastic duos. This way, you’ll be forced to take them with you. Why choose plastic utensils that you only get to use once and then dispose of later? Plastic cups? Bring a tumbler! Paper plates? Get one of those reusable food containers! It may take an effort washing them every after meal but it is a big help in keeping the beach clean.

Also, use those small shampoo and soap containers instead of buying them in sachet. Admit it, when you use sachet, you tend to leave it where you use it. And it adds to the plastic problem we already have.

And oh, glass? Common sense tells us that broken glass lying on the sand does not go well with beach bums walking barefoot!

3. Clean as you go.

It wouldn’t hurt to clean the area where you stayed before saying goodbye to the beach. If you see any trash, pick it up and put it in its proper place (trash bins). Even if the trash is not yours and is left by another irresponsible beach bum, take the initiative to dispose of it properly. If you see a pile of garbage on the beach and you don’t have much time, get the attention of any of the staff and have it removed before the waves start to swallow it.

These are just three of the top-of-mind ideas. If you have other suggestions, please let us know! Contact us here!

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In June 2011, the PhilippineBeaches.org team were fortunate to visit Danjugan Island in Cauayan, Negros Occidental. Located 3 kilometers west of mainland Negros, Danjugan Island is more than four hours away from the Bacolod-Silay airport. This tropical paradise harbors five lagoons — three land-locked — and is surrounded by sea grasses and coral reefs, all healthy! Today the island is managed by PRRCFI (Philippine Reef and Rainforest Conservation Foundation Inc), a non-government organization.

History

According to its Island Manager, Benj Casipe, the island was at the brink of destruction before PPRCFI decided to take over the island. In fact, the primary reason they fought for it was to save it from impending devastation. Former residents of the island was starting to exploit and abuse the area’s natural resources, creating lime factories. During this time, a group of divers frequented the island to see the wonders beneath the waves. But when the divers learned of the residents’ plans of cutting down the island’s tallest tree, which is home to many species of eagles, they decided to take action. In 1994, they bought the island and started a campaign to preserve its natural beauty.

Wildlife

Although Danjugan Island is best-known as a marine reserve, it is also blanketed with a dense rainforest. The area is home to about 72 species of birds including the Tabon scrub fowls, and 10 bat species. Coconut crabs and many species of snakes also inhabit the island.

But of course, the island’s best gems are underwater. You do not have to be a scuba diver to witness Danjugan’s marine biodiversity in all its glory. The area surrounding the island boasts of a wide array of lifeforms including turtles, giant clams, and fish! Several black-tipped sharks have also been spotted swimming around the island. Scientists have recorded 244 species of corals and 579 species of fish, many of which can be seen even when snorkeling.

Management

Aside from the island’s natural wonders, how the island is being managed is also very impressive. PRRCFI is doing an awesome job patrolling around the area, reporting illegal fishing activities, and ultimately protecting the island and its wildlife. The entire island is being managed by only a handful of people who stay on the island, away from the tempting luxuries of the city. The island is solar-powered and tourists who visit the island may choose to stay overnight.

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