Saint Louis University (SLU), in collaboration with the Offices of the University President and Vice President for Mission and Identity, teamed up with Project Coastal Underwater Resource Management Actions (CURMA) to launch a program aimed at protecting and conserving endangered sea turtles and their marine habitats.
On 16 November 2025, SLU youth leaders and students came together for a seashore clean-up drive, dedicated to restoring the coastline’s natural beauty and ecological balance. Armed with hand gloves, sacks, and a shared mission for environmental stewardship, the participants collected plastic waste and other debris that posed a threat to marine life. This advocacy is necessary for the protection of sea turtles, which often mistake plastic for food or get caught in floating trash. By cleaning up the shoreline and nearby waters, volunteers are helping to create safer nesting grounds and healthier marine habitats for sea turtles—making a real and immediate impact on the preservation of these vulnerable species.
Mrs. Charmaine P. Mendoza, SLU’s Outreach Programs Officer, and Mr. Venky Subramanian, who oversees Programs and Sustainability at CURMA, emphasize the vision of Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD, regarding the broader importance of environmental responsibility in line with Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water. This goal advocates for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and marine resources.
By involving young people in hands-on advocacy, the clean-up drive fosters a deeper understanding of the CICM Advocacy on Integrity of Creation—an ethic that acknowledges the interconnectedness of all living beings and our responsibility to care for the Earth. Through their actions, the youth not only help reduce pollution but also cultivate a culture of ecological awareness and moral responsibility, paving the way for healthier oceans and a more sustainable future.
After the clean-up, the youth leaders and students generously distributed goods and groceries to over 50 individuals in need. Identified partner agencies in conducting this advocacy are Diwa Learning Systems Inc., Phoenix Publishing House Inc., and Mercado Canteen as part of their corporate social responsibility. (Article by J.Gutierrez | Photos from SLU Outreach Programs Office)
