Batangas City, Philippines — June 7, 2025

Last June 7, 2025, National University Lipa proudly partnered with SM Cares, SM City Lipa, and SM City Batangas in a meaningful coastal clean-up activity held at Brgy. Pallocan West and Brgy. Sta. Clara in celebration of World Oceans Day.

Dubbed “Diving into Action,” this event brought together students, community members, and volunteers united by a shared mission — to protect our marine ecosystems and promote sustainable environmental practices. The clean-up efforts focused on removing plastics and other waste materials that threaten marine life and coastal health.

As a key participant, NU Lipa underscored its commitment to environmental stewardship, recognizing the vital role that clean and healthy oceans play in sustaining life and communities. This collaborative effort amplifies the call to action for everyone to be responsible stewards of our planet’s waters.

This activity aligns directly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water, which aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources. By actively engaging in this coastal clean-up, NU Lipa and its partners contribute to the global vision of preserving marine biodiversity and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities.

The event also supports SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production by encouraging waste reduction and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.

Participants left the shorelines cleaner, with a strengthened sense of unity and purpose — proving that protecting our oceans is a shared responsibility that starts with each one of us.

Let’s keep the momentum going! Join the movement and take part in protecting our oceans today for a #SMWasteFreeFuture — because cleaner shores begin with all of us.

Photos captured by: Asher Beltran