Green Juris Leads Davao Coastal Road Cleanup to Raise Awareness on Waste Responsibility

Davao City’s Coastal Road has become a popular nighttime hangout spot, but along with its scenic views comes an alarming waste problem. A viral photo in social media way back in 2023 (taken by: K. Aguelo) showed trash left behind by visitors, sparking public outrage. Two years have passed, garbage continues to accumulate—especially at night, when crowds gather. This is despite the efforts of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) and its street sweepers to maintain cleanliness on the sidewalks and seawall.

Green Juris organized a Coastal Road Night Walk/Cleanup on March 22, highlighting the urgent need for responsible waste disposal. In a route of three (3) kilometers from the roundabout up to The Mahogany establishment, volunteers collected a staggering 20 sacks of trash, revealing the extent of the problem.

The sheer volume of waste left overnight underscores the ongoing challenge of littering and the need for stricter enforcement of waste management laws.

The event aimed to raise awareness and remind the public to be responsible when gathering in public spaces. This should also be a wake up call for a stricter enforcement of City Ordinances 0361-10 (Davao City Ecological Solid Waste Management Ordinance of 2009) and 0500-21 (No to Single-Use Plastic Ordinance of 2021), which promote proper waste management and discourage harmful practices.

Beyond cleanup efforts, long-term solutions are needed to address this issue. Strengthening public awareness campaigns, increasing waste disposal facilities, and strictly implementing existing ordinances can help curb the problem. Green Juris urges both the local government and the public to take action—by enforcing regulations and by fostering a culture of environmental responsibility in everyday habits.

Let’s do our part! Whether at the Coastal Road or anywhere else, let’s be mindful of our waste. A clean city starts with us.