Masao Beach: A Potential for More (Or the Beach Clean Up Story)

This photo was taken with Samsung Note 4

Early this morning, three intrepid souls dared to do what is probably peculiar in Masao. These three people decided to do a beach clean up in Masao, Butuan at 5.30 am.  There were different motivations for this unusual action. Number one is of course, for the ultimate good of the environment, for exercise, for general cleanliness, for people to not take Masao beach for granted and probably other less lofty reasons. Whatever the motivation was, these three people picked up the non-biodegradable items that they could. There were plastic caps, soft drink bottles, medicine bottles, broken styrofoam pieces, syringe, used diapers (6 pieces) and a sanitary pad.  

When Pres. Duterte declared that Boracay should rest for a couple of months, I thought, that's good. It's great that politicians- the people in power are giving importance to the environment even at the expense of angering business owners, potential voters etc. Boracay is admittedly a beautiful place. Even with all the toxic waste being dumped in the waters, it still looked pretty. So it is very understandable that they are taking good care of something we consider precious. A Philippine tourism gem.

On the other hand, ever since I remember, "Beautiful" and "Masao beach" hasn't been exactly been linked together. Black sand beaches aren't given the proper regard that they deserve compared with white beaches.  For me, as long as the beach is free from strewn garbage it looks great. 

Imagine promoting Masao beach as a beach rich in history. The shores are dark and rich in minerals. It's clean. Safe for children and adults to swim in. Imagine Masao as something Butuanons can be proud of. Not just a place where it's convenient to go to with easy access to vendors that sell good barbecue or grilled seafood. 

That's what I imagine. That's what I envision when I picked up pieces of wastes that could be best described as pretty...disgusting things. It gave me the strength not to puke all over the place and soldier on.

Will this picture of Masao ever come true? Maybe. But it will surely need more than one morning of "beach clean up." 

It is a constant refrain- but: every one of us needs to do our part. Let's keep our beaches clean! 

(And for heaven sakes throw your child's diapers in the proper receptacle! Or better yet use a non- disposable kind!)