SULAT, Eastern Samar -- The local government here, in partnership with its neighboring municipalities, celebrates the Month of the Ocean with a simultaneous clean-up dive starting May 9 (Tuesday) to May 11 (Thursday). The clean-up drive covers the various diving sites in Eastern Samar province. Mayor Javier Zacate shared that the initiative started when quarantine restrictions were imposed during the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic. Since people could not travel during the pandemic, people started exploring their local tourist attractions and some private resorts also opened their doors to local tourists. "We have been hit by (supertyphoon) Yolanda. Supertyphoons Yolanda and Ruby are some effects of climate change. We have not noticed it before but people are now starting to have realizations," said Mayor Zacate. He cited the Pacific Patch, large garbage patches in the ocean consisting of litter, fishing gear, and other marine debris as alarming, including the presence of microfiber in the ocean. Zacate's son who is also a diver discovered that their diving sites have the potential, but plastics are just thrown anywhere. Even fishermen whose nets were trapped on corals do not make an effort to remove them. Instead, they resort to cutting the tangled leaf, which harms fish and other marine organisms. "It's hard to initiate tourism development without environmental conservation. They should go hand-in-hand. This cleanup dive is the start of our initiative to protect our environment," Mayor Zacate said. The official added they have started implementing some measures to regulate the use of single-use plastic by tapping women's organizations to weave 'bayongs' that will be used for buying essentials. Meanwhile, Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone also expressed support for the project and cited the importance of sending a message to the world that despite the province's geographical location, they show care for the environment. Miss Philippines Universe 2019 Gazini Ganados, Miss Philippines Earth 2023 Yllana Marie Aduana, Miss Philippines Air Kerri Reilly, Miss Philippines Water Jemimah Joy Zabala, Miss Philippines Fire Sha'uri Livori, and Miss Philippines Eco-Tourism Athena Claire Auxillo will be visiting Borongan City, and the municipalities of San Julian, Sulat, Can-avid, and Dolores to support the advocacy. Veteran actress Elizabeth Oropesa, herself a diver, and Mister Universe Tourism 2023 Erik Lennart Visser also joined the initiative.