The Philippines focused on the cleanup of Boracay on Sunday as it joined other Countries in highlighting the global problem of plastic pollution on Earth Day. "This year's observance of Earth Day in the Philippines has stricken a resonant chord with the government's resolve to clean and restore Boracay Island to its previous stature as one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches of the world," presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement. In his State of the Environment Address, the message of Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu was: The time when Filipinos could simply turn a blind eye to crimes against Mother Nature is now over.

Reysio-Cruz, M., & Avendaño, C. O. (2018, April 23). PH joins global call: Ban plastic pollution. Philippine Daily Inquirer, pp. A1, A2.