By Leilanie G. Adriano
Staff reporter
CURRIMAO, Ilocos Norte—Over a hundred employees of the new delivery center of Accenture in this northern part of Luzon participated in a coastal clean-up drive on April 10 at the Pangil rocks formation, a declared conservation site here with its rich coral gardens and marine fish sanctuary.
The two-kilometer sprawling coastline of unique coral gardens and shallow tidal pools ideal for swimming, beach goers frequently visit this place particularly during summer.
Despite implementation of the solid waste management ordinance, several picnickers leave their garbage there unattended.
As part of the community outreach program of Accenture, under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project, the company initiated the coastal clean-up activity as they also donated at least 21 indigenous trash bins made of clay and covered with bamboo materials.
These were set up near the highway or just a few meters from picnic sheds facing the coral rocks formation.
“Accenture believes that the health of its business is inextricably linked to the health of the environment in which it operates. Thus, we make an effort to preserve our environment and support environmental initiatives such as tree planting, waste segregation, habitat conservation and coastal clean-up,” said in its company website.
Lilia Tabucao, Brgy. Pangil chairperson said leaving garbage is strictly prohibited in the area but there are times when they could not closely watch all those going to the municipal beach park.
Among those commonly found garbage here include styrofoam plates, cups including sanitary napkins and plastic bottles.
Ms. Tabucao said they are thankful for being a recipient of Accenture’s CSR project and for choosing their village as part of their outreach program.