Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF), together with partner local government units and environmental organizations, is set to mount Shore It Up! Weekend 2026, a nationwide marine conservation initiative that will be implemented across eight partner sites: Del Carmen in Surigao del Norte, Alaminos City in Pangasinan, Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro, Medina in Misamis Oriental, Cordova in Cebu, the Province of Marinduque, Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, and the Resort Owners Association of Mabini in Batangas.

A Growing Nationwide Effort
Now in its 18th year, Shore It Up! continues to serve as MPIF’s flagship environmental program, bringing together communities, volunteers, and partners in a shared effort to protect marine ecosystems and restore coastal environments. Over the years, the initiative has grown beyond cleanup drives into a more integrated approach that includes mangrove planting, marine conservation, and sustained community engagement.

What’s taking place across participating sites
Each participating site will carry out activities tailored to the most pressing environmental needs of their respective communities, ensuring that efforts are both relevant and responsive to local conditions. On March 29, volunteers across all sites will take part in coordinated coastal and underwater cleanups, as well as mangrove planting activities designed to support long-term ecosystem restoration. These efforts are expected to draw participation from various sectors, including local residents, schools, youth groups, civic organizations, dive groups, and environmental advocates.

As part of the weekend’s program, participating communities will also observe Earth Hour on the evening of March 28 at 8:30 PM, serving as a symbolic moment that complements the hands-on environmental efforts taking place throughout the weekend.

A Growing Nationwide Effort From Shared Effort to Lasting Impact
Shore It Up! has consistently demonstrated how collective action at the community level can contribute to broader environmental impact. By mobilizing volunteers and strengthening partnerships with LGUs and local stakeholders, the program continues to build a culture of shared responsibility for the country’s coastal and marine resources.

MPIF President Melody del Rosario shared that the strength of Shore It Up! lies in its ability to turn simple actions into meaningful, long-term impact. “Shore It Up! has always been about bringing people together around a shared responsibility for our seas and our communities. These efforts may begin with a single weekend, but they reflect a much bigger commitment—to be more mindful of how our actions affect our environment and to take part in protecting it in ways that are both practical and meaningful,” she said.

She added that while coastal and underwater cleanups are sometimes viewed as immediate interventions, they remain important in raising awareness and encouraging communities to take ownership of their environment. Over time, these efforts have helped strengthen partnerships on the ground while supporting longer-term initiatives such as mangrove restoration and marine conservation.