STORY: Along the capital city's Pasig River - one of the world's most polluted rivers contributing to 6% of the world’s ocean plastic waste - officials said close to 200 sacks of garbage were filled up in a span of just two hours.

"We looked at what type of garbage there was and on top is great quantities of food packages. It is a big problem," said Forest Bureau Management officer-in-charge Edna Nuestro during the event.

"This is our way of giving back, the ocean helps provide for us, with fish so we give back in our own small way by cleaning the shores," said volunteer Lea Cayago.

World Oceans Day is celebrated on June 8th every year to raise awareness of the importance of the oceans and the impact of human actions upon them.