Hands On Manila, Earth Island Institute Philippines and Save Freedom Island Movement will be spearheading a coastal clean-up and mangrove planting of a part of Manila Bay, particularly at the Las Pinas-Paranaque Critical Habitat and Eco-tourism Area (LPPCHEA) or commonly known as Freedom Island and Long Island. It's the last remaining wetlands of mangroves and salt marshes in Metro Manila that serves as a bird sanctuary for more than 80 bird species and commercially valuable marine creatures. Said bird and marine sanctuary was declared as a critical habitat in 2007 by Proclamation No: 1412. But, ironically, it is presently bombarded with threats of relentless garbage disposal and the impending reclamation project of the Philippine Reclamation Authority (PRA).

2. Background
 The Philippine
archipelago is
known to have
one of the most
diverse
environments, bot
h in terms of
resources and
culture.

3.  Ironically, it has
one of the
poorest
economies in
the world and
is on its way to
major
ecological
disasters.

4.  Industrial pollution worsened eight-fold in the period
of 1975 to 1988 while its economy grew very little.
Aside from rapid forest destruction, worsening air
pollution, inefficient and irresponsible solid waste
management, the country’s coastal plains have been
constantly subjected to the ill after-effects of
industries.

5.  Solid waste disposal in urban
centers reach dangerous levels
where as much as 2.7 thousand
tons of garbage are produced by
Metro Manila alone. Open
dumps and waterways serve as
disposal grounds where they
pose danger to the nearby
residents

6. Marine Debris
 Pervasive debris kills wildlife
& destroys habitats, too.
Birds, fish, and marine
mammals often mistake
plastic and other debris for
food. Sea turtles mistake
plastic bags for jellyfish, one
of their favorite foods. Gray
whales have been found
dead with plastic bags and
sheeting in their stomachs.

7. Marine Debris: A danger to Wildlife

8.  Plastic debris also acts as a sponge
for toxic, hormone-disrupting
chemicals (like PCBs and DDT)
that reside in seawater, and the
chemical components of plastics
themselves may also be a potential
source of other toxins that find
their way into the food chain.

9.  Found in even the most remote ocean places, debris
can remain for generations.

10.  The good news is marine debris is preventable. As this
obvious crisis of pollution in the Philippines, it is only
crucial that those affected engage in this concern to lead
the pack in creating a better environment for present and
future generations.

11.  Hands On Manila, Earth
Island Institute Philippines
and Save Freedom Island
Movement will be
spearheading a coastal
clean-up and mangrove
planting of a part of Manila
Bay, particularly at the Las
Pinas-Paranaque Critical
Habitat and Eco-tourism
Area (LPPCHEA) or
commonly known as
Freedom Island and Long
Island.

12. Freedom Island
 It's the last remaining wetlands of mangroves and salt marshes in
Metro Manila that serves as a bird sanctuary for more than 80
bird species and commercially valuable marine creatures. Said
bird and marine sanctuary was declared as a critical habitat in
2007 by Proclamation No: 1412. But, ironically, it is presently
bombarded with threats of relentless garbage disposal and the
impending reclamation project of the Philippine Reclamation
Authority (PRA).

13. The 175 hectare island also
serves as a natural border
Freedom Island defends the coast from strong
winds and waves and its lagoon
performs as an outlet for major
waterways of nearby cities.
 The mangrove and salt
marshes ecosystem
functions as a buffer that
protects sea grasses,
seaweeds and coral reefs
from heavy
sedimentation and serves
as a habitat for a wide-
range of aquatic and
marine species that also
provides feeding areas for
commercially important
fishes and mollusks.
Large number of local
fisherfolk families and
coastal dwellers depend
on it for their livelihood
and security.

14.  However, the bay has suffered from serious
water quality deterioration due to the
dumping of sewage, garbage, industrial
pollutants and land reclamation.

15.  The problem exacerbates
with the decline of the
mangrove population from
54,000 hectares during the
latter part of the 19th century
to only about 794 hectares at
present primarily due to land
conversion / reclamation
projects and toxic
contamination. Mangrove
loss means disruption or loss
of food and habitat of
marine species. And the last-
remaining mangrove forest
in Freedom Island also
means the last of our hope
for the living things that
depends on it.

16. Objectives

17. Objectives
 This will also serve as an
opportunity to inform the
general public of the
importance to maintain
the cleanliness of our rivers
and the continued
protection of our water
resources which is the
lifeblood of our societies.
Such activities are also
undertaken to advocate for
the government to
seriously address the
protection of our oceans
and rivers not only in
Metro Manila but for the
entire nation.

18. GENERAL RULES/ GUIDELINES WHEN IN AN
ECOLOGICALLY SENSITIVE AREA:
 Follow the
command of your
marshal / group
coordinator. Don't
roam around in the
area alone. Be aware
of the safety
measures.

19. GENERAL RULES/ GUIDELINES WHEN IN AN
ECOLOGICALLY SENSITIVE AREA:
•Do not disturb
wildlife. Do not run
after them nor try to
catch them. Also avoid
making loud noises.
•Don't feed wild animals

20. GENERAL RULES/ GUIDELINES WHEN IN AN
ECOLOGICALLY SENSITIVE AREA:
 -In the case of dead or injured animals, a
volunteer should NEVER try to pick-up,
attempt to treat, or move the injured or
dead animal. If the animal is already
dead, just leave it there. If the animal is
injured/sick and needs veterinary
attention, report it immediately to the
over-all commander (this must be
reported to the DENR).
 - Do not pick flowers and plants. Leave
everything that belongs to nature. Do
not take home shells and sands.

21. GENERAL RULES/ GUIDELINES WHEN IN AN
ECOLOGICALLY SENSITIVE AREA:
 Be cautious and
aware of
sensitive
habitat areas
(i.e. sand
dunes).
Precautions
should
therefore be
instituted for
such areas.

22. GENERAL RULES/ GUIDELINES WHEN IN AN
ECOLOGICALLY SENSITIVE AREA:
 When inside a forest, stick
to the trail and do not enter
grass fields or trample on
wild flowers. Don't use new
trail markers, signs or other
graffiti to mark the way.
 Take home all of your waste
products including left-over
food and cigarette butts (if
possible, do not smoke!).

23. GENERAL RULES/ GUIDELINES WHEN IN AN
ECOLOGICALLY SENSITIVE AREA:
 - It is strongly prohibited
to build fires.
 - In the unlikely event of a
serious accident
occurring, inform
authorized persons
immediately.

24.  Take nothing but pictures & trash. Kill nothing but
time. Leave nothing but footprints.

25. 1st STEP: REGISTRATION BOOTH
 Make the volunteers sign up first at the registration booth.
 If there’s a need for waivers, make sure all volunteers read
and sign the liability waiver form. LEGIBLE names and
addresses are critical, so please stress this to your
volunteers.
 Collect waivers in the registration booth and distribute
supplies.
 Assign people in groups. (About 10 people per group)
Make sure volunteers in the group know their leaders.
 Distribution of supplies. To be given to each group are the
following:

26. Distribution of supplies. To be given to each
group are the following:
 Sacks (for plastics, for styro & other
foams, for foot wear, for bottles, other trash)
 Thongs
 Rake
 Pitch forks
 Shovel
 Gloves
 Catalogue Data/ Data cards
& pencils for the
documenter.

27. Distribution of supplies. To be given to each
group are the following:
 Trees
 Rake
 Shovel
 Gloves
 Data cards & pencils for the
documenter.

28. Distribution of supplies. To be given to each
group are the following:
 Mangrove propagules
 Sticks
 Data Cards & pencils
for the documenter

29. •Before each group starts. Orient them
briefly on the location, objectives and of the
things that needed to be done.
 Location / Mapping
 Group assignments
 Discuss the importance of working in teams to facilitate the process of
both collecting trash or planting trees and the information for the data
cards.
 For Coastal Clean-up, group of 10 consists of:
The team leader
Documenter
2 holding the sack for plastic wastes
2 holding the sack for Styrofoam & other foams
2 holding the sack for footwear & rubber
2 holding the sack for other trash (metals, bottles, ceramics, cans, etc.)

30.  For Tree planting, one group consists of:
The Team Leader
5 volunteers to dig holes and plant trees
3 volunteers to pick up trash along the trail
1 documenter
 For Mangrove propagule planting, one group consists of:
The Team Leader
1 documenter
5 volunteers to plant propagules
3 volunteers to pick up trash in the site vicinity

31.  Emphasize on safety as a priority. If you
have prior contact with
volunteers, advise them to wear sun
block, appropriate sturdy shoes, long
sleeves, hats, sunglasses, towel, bug
repellant, hand sanitizer or alcohol, and
to bring their own water/beverage bottle
and other personal needs. During the
orientation and safety precaution
talk, tell your group to always keep an eye
on the sea or waterway, avoid over-
exertion, and stay in teams. Children
must be supervised by adults at all times.

32.  Remind volunteers that as much as
possible, additional trash generated by
us should be prevented. Avoid
disposable food and water containers,
spoons & forks, and other snacks with
such wasteful packaging (especially
cigarette butts). Please try our best not
to add trash in the area. Or if this
cannot be avoided, please ensure to
bring your trash when you leave.

33. 2nd STEP FOR COASTAL CLEAN-UP GROUPS:
CLEANING UP THE ASSIGNED AREA:
 Wear gloves on both
hands when you’re
picking up trash with
and closed toe shoes at
all times, and have
clothing and sun-
block to protect you
from the sun.

34. 2nd STEP FOR COASTAL CLEAN-UP GROUPS:
CLEANING UP THE ASSIGNED AREA:
 - Instruct the group to pick up non-biodegradable or human-
created objects only (styro, plastics, footwear & rubber, etc. --
should be segregated accordingly)
-All biodegradable objects or natural debris such as
wood, driftwood, leaves, weeds, kelp, algae, etc. should be left on
the beach.
-Shake-off the sand before putting the trash in the garbage bag.
(Sands & stones are important in the marine ecosystem, too.)
-Don't pull the weeds. They are part of the ecosystem, not trash.

35. 2nd STEP FOR COASTAL CLEAN-UP GROUPS:
CLEANING UP THE ASSIGNED AREA:
 Much of the trash you will find is small, so keep your eyes
out for smaller pieces of trash. The smaller pieces can be
mistaken for food by marine animals.
 - Don’t pick up sharp objects (broken glass, fluorescent
bulbs, discarded knife, needles, etc) and
hospital/infectious wastes (such as syringes, sanitary
napkin, diapers) by your hands (even if you are wearing
gloves). Use thongs, instead, for those.
 -Follow the command of your marshal / group
coordinator. Don't roam around in the area alone.
 - No one should ever go in the water (unless you are
assigned to)
 -Marshalls must report to the over-all commander if there
are injuries among the team.

36. 2nd STEP FOR COASTAL CLEAN-UP GROUPS:
CLEANING UP THE ASSIGNED AREA:
 Be cautious and aware of
sensitive habitat areas (i.e.
sand dunes). Ecologically
sensitive areas can’t always
take the stress of human
activity. The small
organisms that inhabit a
sand dune (hill of sand)
and its vegetation are
easily killed by footsteps
alone. Precautions should
therefore be instituted for
such areas.

37. 2nd STEP FOR COASTAL CLEAN-UP GROUPS:
CLEANING UP THE ASSIGNED AREA:
 - Avoid over-
exertion, sunburn, heat
exhaustion, and dehydration.
 - Don’t lift anything too heavy;
when in doubt, don’t try!

38. 2nd STEP FOR COASTAL CLEAN-UP GROUPS:
CLEANING UP THE ASSIGNED AREA:
 - When documenting the kind
of trash found in the shore
while cleaning up, count items
in groups (sticks) of five to
avoid confusion, and record
the total in the box. Do not
write the words “lots” or
“many.” Count every piece and
be specific. Only actual
numbers of items can be used.
If you get tired of counting,
even an estimate with a real
number is better than nothing.

39. 3rd STEP FOR COASTAL CLEAN-UP GROUPS:
DOCUMENTATION AND DISPOSAL:
 -If sacks are full, bring it to
the weighing area. Do data
collection. Concentrate your
efforts on collecting trash and
recyclables first. Bring the
collected trash to the meeting
location and catalogue data
for data cards.
 -Document unusual
finds, too. Those were trash
not categorized as
plastic, styrofoam, foam, met
al, glass or rubber. It could
also be unusual in size. The
item should be photographed
if possible.

40.  -After documenting the trash, bring it to the garbage truck.
 - Documenter should tabulate the amount of trash and recyclables collected,
list the most unusual items, and report it. The information needed
immediately are the following:
 The number of participants at your site
 The weight of trash and recyclables
 The number of miles cleaned (estimated).
 The most unusual items found
 - Data cards and any unusual items they found shall be collected by the event
organizers or the over-all commander.

- After the clean-up, wash your hands thoroughly at the designated washing
area, freshen up, relax, and enjoy the view.

43. STEP 2 FOR MANGROVE PLANTING:
 Proceed to the site in group. It is best to wear long sleeves as you will
pass by a forest to get to the site. It is usually near the sea or tidal
river/creek and slightly shaded from the sun, so you may need to wear
boots for this.
 Push the pointed stick downwards the soft soil to make a hole/
 Plant undamaged, mature propagules or seeds in the hole, then press
the soil around it with your feet to let the propagule stand firmly.
 For protection from waves, you may fence off the area (with bamboo
sticks)
 Planting distance - 2m x 2m (need 2500 seedlings/ha)
 Record the number of propagules planted and the estimated square
area. Take pictures.

44. STEP 2 FOR TREE PLANTING:
 Proceed to the site in group. Remember the GENERAL GUIDELINES and Safety
Measures.
 Your event organizers selected a site and particular species of trees for the site based on
ecological needs of the tree such as shade, moisture, and soil preferences.
 Provide good pre-planting care. Keep trees shaded, cool, and moist before planting. Be
gentle when handling the root ball.
 Remove all labels, wires, etc. from the tree's stem.
 Dig a shallow hole, as wide as possible. The hole should be at least 3X the root ball
diameter, bowl-shaped, and as deep as the root ball is high or 1-2" shallower. The root ball
should be placed on undisturbed soil, with the root collar at or just above the level of the
surrounding soil.
 Remove plastics, burlap, pots, wire baskets, etc. from the root ball. Removing these
materials with the root ball in the hole minimizes root system disturbance.
 Backfill with native soil and water the entire root zone
 Document the trees planted by recording the species, numbers and the total area
planted. Take pictures.