ISABELA CITY, BASILAN (PIA) -Isabela City government has launched an initiative to protect its natural beauty and booming tourism industry, the pioneering initiative to combat the scourge of sea-borne garbage.
Dubbed “Sea Sweepers,” this innovative program brings together a team of ten dedicated employees, led by Eugene Strong, Head of the City General Services Office, to address the persistent problem of pollution threatening the city’s pristine shorelines.
The Sea Sweepers, a group of Bajau and Tausug “Bangkeros,” serve not only as environmental defenders but also as ambassadors of the city’s commitment to preserving its natural resources. Their daily routine involves patrolling the waters around the island barangay of Malamawi, collecting floating debris, and ensuring that coastal areas remain spotless. With their mission to “stop throwing garbage along the sea,” they are making a significant impact on the city’s environment.
Initiated by City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, the Sea Sweepers project responds to growing concerns about pollution in the city’s coastal areas. Despite numerous solid waste management and coastal clean-up initiatives, sea-borne garbage remained a challenge.
Isabela City’s remarkable growth in tourism has been a major boost to the local economy, with visitor numbers increasing from 20,000 in 2018 to over 400,000 today. This surge in tourism has created substantial livelihood opportunities for Isabeleños, improving their incomes and quality of life. However, this growth has also highlighted the need to maintain the city’s natural resources, which the Sea Sweepers aim to protect
Through their daily efforts, the Sea Sweepers are not only defending the environment but also enhancing Isabela City’s reputation as a destination that balances natural beauty with economic development. Their work stands as a testament to devotion and commitment, inspiring other Isabeleños to take responsibility for keeping their city clean.
The mayor envisions a cleaner coastline that preserves the city’s natural beauty while enhancing its reputation as an unspoiled and progressive destination.
The Sea Sweepers exemplify the positive outcomes that can be achieved when community and government unite to protect the environment and promote sustainable development. (JPA/NDR/MWAP-PIA Basilan)
