232 sacks of waste collected in a united effort to preserve the coastline and protect Olive-Ridley sea turtles
Chevron Philippines Inc. (CPI), marketer of Caltex fuels and lubricants, once again proved that environmental responsibility goes beyond business. In celebration of the International Coastal Cleanup, Chevron gathered 250 volunteers including employees, contractors, and community partners for a large-scale cleanup along the San Pascual coastline in Batangas, a known nesting site for Olive-Ridley sea turtles.
Together, the volunteers collected 232 sacks of waste, clearing debris and plastics that pose threats to both marine life and the surrounding community.
Partnerships that make a difference
The initiative was made possible through the collaboration of multiple 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), and local government offices such as MENRO, CENRO, and Barangay Danglayan.
Mae Belle Albay, Head Operator at Chevron Philippines Inc., emphasized the power of teamwork. “This cleanup shows what’s possible when everyone—local government, community members, our employees, and contractors—comes together with a shared purpose. The shoreline may be under Chevron’s operational area, but it’s a shared space that we all have a responsibility to protect.”
The largest group of volunteers came from the Manila Shared Services Center (MSSC), with 118 participants collecting 84 sacks of waste, followed by 5GS with 30 volunteers and 28 sacks. Chevron employees and contractors contributed 59 sacks, while PCGA volunteers collected 14 sacks.
Beyond one-day cleanups: building sustainable habits
Chevron has been organizing coastal cleanups in San Pascual since 2009, but Albay noted that the company’s approach has evolved over the years.
“It used to be just one big cleanup each year. Since 2015, we’ve shifted to smaller, more frequent efforts to prevent waste from piling up. This consistent approach makes a bigger, lasting impact,” she explained.
Environmental stewardship in action
Raymund Año, Chevron Batangas Terminal Manager, said sustainability is deeply rooted in the company’s operations.
“As a company that operates along the coastline, it’s our responsibility to take care of the environment. Even small steps like eliminating bottled water use at our terminal can create meaningful change. Protecting the environment starts with daily habits.”
Volunteerism and awareness for lasting change
For Chevron, the annual cleanup is more than a one-day CSR project, it’s an invitation for others to get involved.
“Each sack matters in keeping our coastline clean,” Año shared. “The more volunteers we have, the greater the impact. This is not just Chevron’s duty, it’s everyone’s responsibility.”
Moving forward, Chevron aims to expand its collaboration with local government units, private partners, and community organizations to strengthen environmental awareness and protection initiatives across Batangas and beyond.
Protecting the Olive-Ridley sea turtles
The San Pascual coastline is not only a community resource but also an ecological haven for the Olive-Ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea), a globally distributed but vulnerable marine species. These turtles come ashore between August and October to lay eggs, making coastal cleanliness vital to their survival.
By keeping the beach free from debris, volunteers help ensure that hatchlings can safely return to the sea, a small yet powerful contribution to protecting marine biodiversity for future generations.
Through efforts like this, Chevron and its partners reaffirm their commitment to sustainability, proving that collective action can turn small steps into lasting waves of change.
