In a strong display of environmental stewardship, Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of Caltex fuels and lubricants, gathered 250 volunteers for its annual Coastal Cleanup in San Pascual, Batangas. Working hand in hand, employees, contractors, and community partners collected 232 sacks of trash along the shoreline near the Chevron Batangas Terminal—a coastal area that also serves as a nesting ground for Olive-Ridley sea turtles.
The cleanup, held in line with the International Coastal Cleanup, brought together several organizations, including SRDC, CJI General Services Inc., 5G Security Inc. (5GS), the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), and Barangay Danglayan.
Partnerships That Make a Difference
Mae Belle Albay, Head Operator at Chevron Philippines Inc., emphasized the value of collaboration in sustaining environmental initiatives.
“This cleanup demonstrates what’s possible when everyone—local government, community members, our employees, and contractors—comes together with a shared purpose,” said Albay. “Although this area is within Chevron’s operational control, it remains a shared space that we all rely on and have a responsibility to protect. Collective action like this shows the power of working together to preserve the environment.”
The Manila Shared Services Center (MSSC) contributed the largest group of volunteers, with 118 participants collecting 84 sacks of waste. They were followed by 5GS, which gathered 28 sacks, while Chevron employees and contractors collected 59 sacks. The PCGA also joined with 7 volunteers, who contributed 14 sacks.
Beyond One-Day Cleanups
Chevron has been conducting cleanup drives in San Pascual since 2009, but the company’s approach to sustainability has evolved over the years.
“It used to be just one big cleanup each year,” Albay shared. “But since 2015, we’ve shifted to smaller, more regular cleanups to prevent waste from piling up. We’ve found that consistency creates a greater and more lasting impact on the environment.”
Sustainability at the Core
For Raymund Año, Batangas Terminal Manager, protecting the environment is not only part of Chevron’s social responsibility—it’s embedded in its daily operations.
“It’s always been our duty to do our share in cleaning the environment, especially since our operations involve the coastline and vessels from overseas,” Año said.
He also noted that Chevron integrates sustainability practices within the workplace.
“Even here in the terminal, we’ve stopped using bottled water and shifted to glasses and dispensers. Small steps like these matter, especially in reducing plastic waste that remains non-biodegradable.”
Spreading Awareness and Inspiring Volunteerism
More than a corporate initiative, Chevron’s annual cleanup is a call to action for environmental awareness and volunteerism.
“I hope every year we can continue this and inspire more people to join,” Año added. “This is sustainable volunteerism—and with more hands, we can collect more waste. Every sack counts in keeping our coastline clean.”
Looking ahead, Chevron plans to strengthen partnerships with local government units, community groups, and private organizations to expand its environmental programs.
“As we spread awareness, we hope other companies and individuals are encouraged to do their part,” Año emphasized. “This is not just Chevron’s responsibility, but everyone’s.”
Protecting Marine Life, One Cleanup at a Time
Beyond the waste collected, this year’s cleanup underscores the importance of preserving marine ecosystems—especially the San Pascual shoreline, a vital nesting site for Olive-Ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea).
These vulnerable turtles come ashore between August and October to lay their eggs, and a clean, debris-free coastline helps ensure that hatchlings can safely make their way back to the sea.
By keeping these habitats clean, Chevron and its partners are not only protecting marine wildlife but also contributing to the long-term health of the local ecosystem.
The 232 sacks of waste collected stand as a testament to what can be achieved through collective effort—and a reminder that protecting the planet starts with communities taking action together.
