JEDDAH: Hundreds of volunteers have signed up to take part in a cleanup drive scheduled Friday at the Salman open Beach Bouhairat in North Obhur, Jeddah.

Spearheaded by the Jeddah-based ocean conservancy group Alliance of Proactive Organizations Center for Environmental Advocacy (APOCEA), the project is expected to involve at least 50 civic-oriented organizations and Filipino International schools who have given their commitment. Among those participating are divers,  engineers and some sports enthusiasts. 

In support of the noble campaign, Consul General Imelda M. Panolong, head of the Philippine mission in western Saudi Arabia, issued an advisory encouraging members of the Filipino community to “join the noble and historic coastal cleanup.”

Speaking at the recent launch of the campaign, Ayman A. Darandary, marketing general manager of Alhamrani-Fuchs Petroleum Saudi Arabia Ltd., said the company is sponsoring the project to “help connect people across disciplines to gain a better understanding about environmental science issues.”

“We do more than respect nature — we do everything we can to preserve it. We have followed the path of environmental protection by making environmental responsibility part of our code of ethics, and it is part of our corporate mission and core value,” he said.

Peddie H. Holanda, founding chairman of APOCEA, said the cleanup drive will start at 6 a.m. Friday and ends at 11 a.m.

Others who wish to join may contact APOCEA official Esmael “Mike” Ali at mobile number 0543506463 or Peddie Holanda at mobile number 0542589457 or email him at holandzap@yahoo,com/ p.holanda@alahli,com.