Filipino organizations hold beach clean-up drive in Kuwait
AsFOK praised for their innovative campaign
MBy Freddie Tayoan
ore than a thousand Filipinos and expatriates joined the biggest beach clean-up drive in Kuwait on Friday, Nov 15. The Association of Filipino Organizations in Kuwait (AsFOK) and the Kuwait government, spearheaded the historical event, that was held along the shores of Fahaheel down to Doha beach area.
Yearly, different organizations volunteer to help others, so this month AsFOK planned to organize their beach clean-up drive. This organized project was the first coast to coast cleaning drive held simultaneously in the country. Though the Filipino community basically shared and offered their voluntary support to different civic collaborative enterprises, cleaning is their best reward to pay off for the government of Kuwait. It was attended with the best efforts of 40 Filipino organizations and volunteer students of one Pakistan school.
It started with an open ceremony in the Al Saheel Gymnasium in Abu Halifa, as the command center of the whole group at 6:30 in the morning. Simultaneously, the coordinators from the 37 assembly areas, gathered the number of participants who went all around the beautiful beaches of Kuwait. Orientation was held by the leaders in each designated area of responsibility, to ensure the safety of each member, keep the activity to be successful and to show environmental concern. Additionally, first aiders were all present on the said event to facilitate any emergency cases.
The distribution of masks, gloves, garbage collection bags and different paraphernalia commenced the start of collecting trash and litters on the shores. Men, women and children came to pick-up pieces of garbage and kept it with their individually-held plastic bags. As they started, all were happy sharing their smile and laughter, stories and songs. For less than 3 hours, beach clean-up was done tidily. They collected more than 3,500 bags of garbage, tied up and collected by the assigned collectors in each region. After the collection, hand washing was emphasized to maintain hygienic purposes.
Volunteers from all sectors, appreciated the efforts made by the Filipino leaders in initiating this ambitious yet successful project. Locals and other expatriates who came along the shorelines were grateful and helped pick up trash.
When scarcity of gloves and plastic bags was noted and observed, Kuwaitis on-board donated the items needed just to continue and maximize the area. Accordingly, there were good citizens of the host country, who never left the vicinity, they walked and cleaned up side by side till their bags were full. Then bid goodbye until the participants happily vacated the beaches. The event was an eye-opener for some participants and observers. Friendship was developed and teary-eyes left the Filipino group as locals deeply appreciated the humble concern of each attendee for the great help made.
The closing program was held in the command center in Al Saheel Gym. It was attended by the organizers, coordinators, members, guests and sponsors of the event. One of the Filipino dignitaries, Ms
Elline C. Padlan from the Philippine Embassy noted how to be a naturefriendly-individual. She evaluated the program as an excellent Filipino service and an innovative campaign for uplifting the Filipino culture. Thus, advocating love for our second home, Kuwait.
Engineer Francis Olpindo, one of the organizers, reiterated the 40 Filipino organizations who joined was to maintain their camaraderie, awareness of social responsibility, service to community and spirit of volunteerism. Atty Abdullah Al Otaibi, one the Kuwaiti-forerunner of the said event boldly stated that the united effort of the Filipino community and Kuwait government made this historical event achievable. He added that there is always possibility in everything, when you think positively. Ms Sara Yusef, one of the Filipino-Kuwait mothers reiterated the group to continue showcasing the strong unity of Filipino groups to empower and vanguard their social responsibility.
The combined efforts of the organizations was a month preparation. The organizers made it all possible because of their sacrifice and fervent desire to serve the Filipino community with transparency and harmony.