SAN JUAN, La Union - Locals and tourists here gathered on Saturday morning to clean up the beaches of Northern Luzon's surfing capital.

Ethel Silverio, who came all the way from Balagtas, Bulacan, woke up early with her friends to join the coastal clean-up.

"Makatulong man kami in our small part, makapulot ng mga basura, malinis ang kalikasan, especially itong 'Elyu' kasi magandang surfing capital 'to eh, agapan natin bago lumala," she said, calling La Union by its popular nickname.

Over a hundred residents of Urbiztondo in San Juan also participated in the cleanup as part of their town fiesta.

"Para maraming dadayong turista sa lugar namin," said resident Teresita Preporsi.

A total of 10 garbage bags filled with bottles, papers, and other litter were collected during the cleanup-- proof that not all tourists and locals are aware of the barangay's anti-littering rule, said village chief Ericson Valdriz.

Saturday's cleanup was organized by One Music PH, ABS-CBN Lifestyle, Bantay Kalikasan, and the San Juan Restaurant and Hotel Association.

The clean-up also aimed to help save sea turtles (pawikan), which can be found in town.

"Ang mga pawikan kasi hindi nila alam kung ano 'yung nakikita nila, basta nakikita nilang lumulutang may tendency na kainin nila o papasukan nila 'yan," said Paul Mercado, chief marketing officer of ABS-CBN Lingkod Kapamilya.

Valdriz reminded patrons of La Union's beautiful beaches that those caught littering would be fined P300 for the first offense or required to render public service.

Tourists are encouraged to dispose their garbage properly and maintain the cleanliness of the beach.