MANIFA — To celebrate the International Coastal Cleanup, Al-Rushaid Construction Company (ARCC), a joint venture between EEI Corporation of the Philippines and Al-Rushaid Petroleum Investment Group Corporation (ARPIC) of Saudi Arabia, held its first ever seashore cleanup campaign in Manifa. The campaign, which took place around 230 km northeast of Dhahran, aimed to raise awareness about global environmental issues and preservation. Dubbed as ARCC Earth Day, the campaign attracted most of the current workforce of the Manifa Project, run by the company. The project aims to keep the camp, seashore and facilities clean and therefore contribute to the preservation of the seashore ecosystem. Manifa is an offshore drilling island in the Arabian Gulf that facilitates the production of one of the largest oil and gas fields, in particular the Saudi Aramco offshore field. A team of volunteers consisting of ARCC employees surveyed the seashore and gathered up litter to help clean the area. Edwin T. Paragas, operations group manager, said: “Through our activities, we are present in all parts of the world — on land and at sea and from densely populated areas to desert regions. “It is our responsibility to protect these different environments. Manifa cleanup campaigns show once again ARCC's commitment to preserving biodiversity.” Almost 28 cubic meters of rubbish, including cigarette butts, caps and lids, food wrappers, plastic bags, soft drink cans, plastic bottles and paper bags, were picked up and disposed of during the drive. — SG
