Pepsi Ayos Pinas! volunteers return to Hamilo Coast

MANILA, Philippines - Picking up from where they left off, Pepsi’s movement for change continues as Pepsi Ayos Pinas! and its youth volunteers return to Hamilo Coast in Nasugbu, Batangas for their second beach cleanup.

The cleanup is part of the Pepsi’s Ayos Pinas! volunteer program, which aims to strengthen the youth’s love for their country by giving them the opportunity to partner with Pepsi and get actively involved in various worthwhile causes, while having fun along the way. Some 200 youth volunteers are expected to take part in the Sept. 25 activity.

“Through Pepsi Ayos Pinas!, we hope to be able to help create positive change for a better Philippines. This second beach cleanup in Nasugbu is a continuation of our efforts to protect and sustain the environment,” says Mikey Rosales, Pepsi brand manager.

The coastal cleanup would include keeping the marine protected area clean (on shore and in water), addressing the infestation of coral-eating crown of thorns seastar in the reefs, and educating the youth on the importance of protecting the local environment.

Pepsi will conduct the beach cleanup in partnership with the Hamilo Coast residential and leisure community, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Philippines) and Ocean Conservancy.

Ocean Conservancy is a nonprofit advocacy group promoting the protection and preservation of marine resources around the world while WWF is the world’s largest conservation organization.

“From the onset, we have partnered with Hamilo Coast as part of a long-term commitment to sustainable development. We’re glad to have a company like Pepsi aboard as well,” says Paolo Pagaduan, WWF Hamilo Coast project manager.

Hamilo Coast forms part of the Verde Island Passage of the Coral Triangle, which is the center of marine biodiversity in the world. Comprised of 13 limestone-ringed coves demarcating Batangas and Cavite, the coastline needs continuous maintenance, protection, and care to help marine life recover from the harmful effects of illegal fishing, poachers, climate change, and pollution.

The activity also marks the brand’s support for the Ocean Conservancy’s 25th Annual International Coastal Cleanup which will be held on the same day.

The first beach cleanup was held last May 14.

The Pepsi Ayos Pinas! program is part of Pepsi’s “Sarap Magbago” philosophy, which represents a commitment to the new generation of young Filipinos who believe that they deserve a better Philippines and that a hopeful, positive future is worth striving for.

For those interested in becoming a Pepsi Ayos Pinas! volunteer, log on to http://sarapmagbago.com or search for Pepsi’s “Sarap Magbago” on Facebook.