JGSOC Leads Its 16th International Coastal Cleanup in Batangas

For the 16th consecutive year, JG Summit Olefins Corporation (JGSOC) led the annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) campaign in Batangas. Held on September 21, 2024, the event brought together around 570 volunteers from various organizations, including industry partners such as the Samahan sa Pilipinas ng mga Industriyang Kimika (SPIK), the Batangas chapter of the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers, the Philippine Coast Guard, local schools like the University of Batangas, and community members from Batangas City.

The ICC 2024 Organizing Committee (from left): Engr. Edilberto Collantes, Safety Manager; Engr. Bob Castrence, Sustainability Officer; Ralph Roy, Director for Government Affairs; Engr. Mark Ian Capuloy, Safety-Environment Officer; Engr. Ma. Veron Marasigan, Director for BDRC; Engr. Ana Margarita Lacuna, Safety-Environment Associate; Rowe Bandoy, Community Relations Specialist, and Safety-Environment Technicians Engr. Fred Gamboa and Engr. Brian Espiritu. IMAGE JGSOC

Together, the volunteers removed approximately 1,460 kilograms of trash from Barangay Simlong's shoreline — a significant effort in safeguarding the region’s marine environment.

The ICC is one of the world's largest volunteer initiatives, mobilizing millions of participants across over 150 countries to combat marine debris and ocean pollution. The Philippines has been actively involved in the ICC since 1994, and in 2003, the event was institutionalized through Presidential Proclamation No. 470, designating the third Saturday of September as ICC Day.

JGSOC President and CEO Arnel Santos (2nd from right) was among the 570 volunteers who helped clear the shoreline of Barangay Simlong in Batangas. IMAGE JGSOC

JGSOC has been a dedicated participant in this global initiative since 2007. Over the years, the company and its partners have successfully removed more than 10,000 kilograms of marine debris from the Batangas coastline and surrounding waters. This ongoing involvement underscores JGSOC’s commitment to preserving the natural beauty of Batangas Bay and supporting its diverse marine life.

Beyond its participation in the ICC, JGSOC actively engages in a range of other environmental initiatives. Since 2002, the company has managed an Artificial Reef Project in Batangas Bay, deploying hundreds of reef blocks to boost marine biodiversity. In 2016, JGSOC launched the One Million Trees Project, with the goal of planting one million indigenous and fruit-bearing trees to support national reforestation efforts. These trees help create carbon sinks, absorbing CO₂ emissions to mitigate the impacts of climate change. Earlier this year, JGSOC extended its partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to continue the preservation and rehabilitation of a key wetland on Boracay Island.

Student organizations, faculty members, and employees from the University of Batangas were among JGSOC's volunteer partners who joined this year's International Coastal Cleanup activity. IMAGE JGSOC

In addition, JGSOC has helped improve air quality by partnering with the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the DENR to rehabilitate and operate an air quality monitoring station in Batangas City, addressing local air pollution concerns.

Together, these initiatives demonstrate JGSOC's commitment to integrating sustainability into its operations, aligning with global environmental objectives such as the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on responsible consumption, production, and the conservation of marine ecosystems.

For more information on JG Summit Olefins Corporation, visit jgspetrochem.com