North-Diamond CGT Joins DENR in International Coastal Cleanup 2025 at Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach and Tullahan River

Company underscores commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices through active participation in global cleanup initiative.

Manila, Philippines – September 21, 2025 – The International Coastal Cleanup held last September 20, 2025, brought together thousands of volunteers across the Philippines in a united effort to protect the nation’s marine and coastal ecosystems. Organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), this year’s campaign emphasized the urgency of addressing marine debris, which continues to threaten biodiversity, livelihoods, and community health.

Two of the key Metro Manila venues were the Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach and the Tullahan River in Novaliches, both identified as critical sites due to persistent waste accumulation and their direct connection to Manila Bay. Volunteers collected significant amounts of discarded plastics, food packaging, and other debris, reflecting the scale of the pollution challenge and the importance of sustained cleanup interventions.

North-Diamond Consumer Goods Trading actively participated in both cleanups, deploying teams to join DENR officials, civic groups, and local communities. The company’s involvement went beyond the physical task of collecting waste, symbolizing its strong commitment to corporate social responsibility and environmental stewardship. By engaging its employees in hands-on volunteerism, North-Diamond CGT reinforced the value of shared accountability in addressing environmental issues and promoting long-term sustainability.

The Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach served as a symbolic venue, representing the public face of Manila Bay rehabilitation and serving as a visible reminder of the importance of maintaining cleaner, more sustainable coastlines. Meanwhile, the Tullahan River cleanup in Novaliches highlighted one of the most pressing environmental concerns in Metro Manila. Stretching approximately 27 kilometers from the La Mesa watershed in Quezon City through Caloocan, Valenzuela, Malabon, and Navotas before draining into Manila Bay, the Tullahan River has long suffered from severe pollution due to solid waste disposal, siltation, and encroachment by informal settlements. These conditions have reduced its capacity to carry floodwaters, contributing to perennial flooding in nearby communities and further degrading the quality of water that eventually flows into Manila Bay.

The rehabilitation of the Tullahan River has been the subject of continuous cleanup and dredging efforts, with both government and private sector partners working to remove tons of waste and restore its role as a vital waterway. By including this site in the International Coastal Cleanup 2025, DENR and its partners sought to emphasize the interconnectedness of inland rivers and coastal ecosystems, reminding the public that protecting Manila Bay also requires reviving its tributaries like the Tullahan.

“Our participation in this year’s International Coastal Cleanup reflects North-Diamond CGT’s belief that sustainability begins with action,” Mr. Ariel Sardalla, Managing Director of North-Diamond CGT. “By working hand in hand with DENR and local communities, we are not only addressing today’s waste challenges but also helping build a healthier and more sustainable future for the next generation.”

The waste data collected from both Manila Baywalk Dolomite and Tullahan River will support DENR and environmental groups in designing more effective long-term strategies to curb marine pollution and strengthen waste management policies. Through its participation, North-Diamond CGT reaffirmed its mission to contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment. The company’s efforts during the International Coastal Cleanup 2025 illustrated how partnerships between government, private organizations, and communities can create meaningful change. Beyond the day’s achievements, the initiative served as a strong call for continuous education, awareness, and collaboration to protect the country’s natural resources for the benefit of future generations.

 

“Partnerships between the public and private sectors are critical in tackling the scale of environmental challenges we face,” Jennifer Ilustrisimo, Business Process Analyst of North-Diamond CGT added. “North-Diamond CGT is proud to be part of a global movement that proves real change is possible when everyone works together.”