Cebu’s resort town Moalboal, famed for its sardine runs and coral reefs, joined the global International Coastal Cleanup Day with a rare public-private initiative that underscores how developers and hoteliers are embedding sustainability into their growth strategies.
For the first time, the coastal town held two coordinated cleanups. Municipal Mayor Inocentes Cabaron led local government workers in clearing debris along the seawall, wharf and reclamation areas near the town proper.
In parallel, Club Serena Resort mobilized a consortium of private companies, safety officers and volunteers for a beach and underwater cleanup in Saavedra, one of Moalboal’s most-visited white sand stretches.
The private-sector initiative, spearheaded by Cebu-based developer AppleOne Properties Inc. (API) and its hospitality arm One Root Hospitality, drew participation from barangay officials, police, coast guard, fire protection units, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, as well as scuba divers from local resorts.
‘The annual ICC Day brought together people from all walks of life to care for the sea and celebrate Moalboal’s love for nature and culture,’ Cabaron said.
He added that the initiative, part of a global campaign themed ‘Clean Seas Against the Climate Crisis,’ builds on year-round local efforts to preserve the town’s beaches and marine ecosystems.
AppleOne, which has expanded its footprint in property and hospitality across Cebu and the Visayas, positioned its leadership role in the cleanup as part of a broader sustainability agenda.
‘AppleOne’s leadership in this year’s ICC is our public statement on sustainability even as we pursue property and tourism development in the countryside,’ said Samantha Manigsaca, API’s vice-president for hospitality.
She noted that the multi-sector participants signed pledges after the cleanup to support the protection of Tañon Strait, the country’s largest marine protected seascape.
Moalboal, situated on Cebu’s southwestern coast and a finalist in the Department of Tourism’s Philippine Tourism Awards, has seen rising visitor numbers driven by its rich biodiversity, sardine runs and diving sites.
Business leaders in the town said environmental stewardship is vital to maintaining its global reputation as a marine tourism hub.