While everyone was having a much-needed break from the previous week, actor Alden Richards was up at 6AM on a Saturday to gear up for a cleanup drive.

Alden, who is the current ambassador of Century Tuna Superbods, joined its finalists, HOPE, and other influencers in Anilao, Batangas for Century Tuna’s Saving Our Seas initiative. The program aims to raise awareness on the significance of marine conservation and the importance of involving consumers in the fight against plastic pollution and how they can be part of the solution.

The initiative started through a Beach and Reef Clean-Up activity in several areas in Mabini, Batangas. Alden, the Superbods winners, and finalists—together with volunteers from the community, facilitated by the local government of Mabini—started the cleanup as early as seven o’clock in the morning.

Century Tuna Superbods finalists and volunteers in the shore cleanup

The state of our seas

Plastic pollution is one of the most pressing environmental issues we have today. According to a study by marine biologist Dr. Kent E. Carpenter, the center of marine biodiversity is in the Philippines. The Verde Island Passage, recognized as the center of global shore-fish biodiversity, is home to species such as whale sharks, and sea turtles, and has an impressive array of corals.

But while we’re considered the epicenter of marine biodiversity, we’re also one of the biggest plastic pollutants on the planet. Century Tuna mainly gets its product from the seas. With the current state of our seas, one of this tuna brand’s missions is to promote sustainability through initiatives like helping reduce plastic by launching the Saving Our Seas project.

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An eye-opener

According to Alden, this is the first time he is doing a cleanup dive. The actor scuba dives for leisure but this time, he’s doing it for a great cause. “Ang sarap sa pakiramdam na sisisid ka sa kailaliman ng dagat tapos pupulot ka ng basura. I hope this movement inspires a lot of people also. It doesn’t necessarily mean naman na kailangan mo mag-scuba dive to help the environment; you can do your part by just basically taking care of your waste management,” he said.

For someone who has several endorsements, Alden always looks for an opportunity to join causes, especially for meaningful campaigns initiated by the brands he endorses. “I always look forward to being part of movements, especially with the brands I endorse, para hindi lang talaga endorser-endorsement relationship, parang we do something beyond what we’re supposed to do.”

Alden during his cleanup dive assisted by professional divers from PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors)

Alden also reiterates that the platforms and influence of celebrities like him could amplify the call for this particular environmental cause. “We have the platform, we have the influence, we can amplify the message which is essential for the common good,” he emphasized. “’Yun din talaga ’yung what I really wanted since I started show business is to make this platform as an opportunity to spread awareness.”

What happens next?

This particular initiative is in partnership with HOPE’s Aling Tindera Waste-to-Cash Program where people in the community can collect their plastic waste and exchange it for cash.

This is to reinforce the concept of Plastic Circular Economy–where all plastics collected and recycled are diverted away from nature to ensure that they won’t leak back into the open environment. This is done by bringing it to processors which turn them into something useful and can be used again by the people.

Alden Richards talks to the community of Brgy. Ligaya, Mabini, Batangas

Photos courtesy of Century Tuna