The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Ozamiz City, through the Solid Waste and Environment Management Office (SWEMO) and BLGU of Carmen Annex, successfully conducted a Coastal Clean-Up Drive on January 31, 2026, at the Barangay Carmen Annex Coastal Area. The activity marked the culmination of the city’s observance of Zero Waste Month 2026.

Zero Waste Month is observed every January to encourage communities to adopt environmentally responsible waste management practices, reduce waste generation, and promote recycling and reuse initiatives. The coastal clean-up activity served as a meaningful way to highlight these goals while strengthening environmental awareness among participants and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The event was spearheaded by SWEMO under the leadership of Engineer Froilan A. Bondaco, Jr., together with Hon. Nelson Canumay of Carmen Annex. The clean-up drive gathered volunteers from various sectors, including faculty members and students from Misamis University. Participants included the National Service Training Program (NSTP), College of Criminology interns, College of Agriculture and Forestry, Misamis Occidental Volunteers for Environment – MU Chapter, Misamis University Community Extension Program, and other community volunteers. Also present during the activity was Dr. Virgilio S. Onganiza, Director of MU NSTP, who supervised the NSTP faculty and students throughout the event.

During the activity, volunteers collected various types of waste materials, including plastics, fishing nets, clothing, glass, rubber, and other debris scattered along the shoreline. The collected waste was temporarily gathered near Misamis Annex Integrated School before being properly handled and hauled by SWEMO personnel for appropriate disposal.