BORONGAN CITY – A province-wide simultaneous coastal cleanup was conducted in Eastern Samar on Tuesday, May 9, as part of the Month of the Ocean celebration. Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone said Project Kalikasan Linisan Estehanon Aksyon Na (KLEAN) was launched pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 57 issued in 1999. It aims to raise awareness about the repercussions of wastes that are thrown into the oceans and the harm they cause to marine life. The project also intends to promote sustainable practices in waste management and protect aquatic resources. "This is for us and for our future generations to experience clean oceans. If we fail to protect our resources, what will our future grandchildren eat," he said. Borongan City, Eastern Samar Mayor Jose Dayan Agda expressed gratitude that the campaign is in line with the city's existing eco-based adaptation program. "We are thankful that somehow we realized that the way forward is protecting our environment," he said. He cited that it is also in line with their tourism program because it will be difficult for tourists to visit a place that is polluted and not livable. "The success of the program will be measured once it becomes everyone's way of life. It does not matter who started it, but it is our obligation and responsibility as leaders to leave this legacy to future generations." Borongan City has a sanitary landfill where non-biodegradable wastes are recycled and biodegradable wastes are used as fertilizers. The garbage that will be collected during the cleanup drives in all the municipalities will be exchanged for rice.