Regional Steering Committee Approves Three Revised Pilot Projects to Combat Marine Plastics in the Philippines

 

The Regional Steering Committee (RSC) of the MOF/PEMSEA ODA Project on Reducing Marine Plastics in the East Asian Seas Region has approved the revised pilot projects for three Philippine sites: Daanbantayan in Cebu, Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Norte, and Tandag City in Surigao del Sur during the Intersessional RSC Meeting on 2 July 2026 held in Manila and via online.

 

This year’s Intersessional RSC was chaired by the Philippines, represented by Mr. Eddie Abugan, Chief of the Project Management Division of the Foreign Assisted and Special Projects Service (FASPS) under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

 

In his opening remarks, Mr. Abugan stated that adjustments to the approved pilot project designs might be necessary during implementation to reflect evolving local priorities, updated technical assessments, site conditions, and operational requirements.

 

“The proposed changes for Dipolog, Daanbantayan, and Tandag have therefore been tabled for the consideration of the Regional Steering Committee. We trust that the Committee will carefully review these proposals and provide guidance that will enable the Project to proceed in a timely, technically sound, and cost-effective manner,” said Mr. Abugan.

 

The proposed revisions for the three sites were presented to the RSC for consideration, following the Committee's approval for implementation at the third RSC meeting on 10 December 2025. The revisions were submitted to seek the Committee's guidance in supporting timely, technically sound, and cost-effective implementation.

 

PEMSEA Resource Facility (PRF) Executive Director, Ms. Aimee Gonzales, said that these pilot projects are intended to strengthen local solid waste management systems, improve plastic waste collection and recycling, and prevent plastic leakage into rivers, coastal areas, and the marine environment.

 

“As implementation proceeds, the Project must remain responsive to changing local conditions and the operational priorities of participating local governments. As you will hear, the proposed changes aim to improve the relevance, functionality, and cost-effectiveness of the investments while remaining within the overall committed project budget,” Ms. Gonzales said.

 

 

 

Mr. Jinyong Kim, on behalf of the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, noted that the Project had made significant progress toward the implementation of its pilot projects and emphasized that the meeting marked an important transition from planning and design to the delivery of tangible investments in the participating sites.

 

"The Ministry hopes that the Committee will carefully review the proposed changes and support solutions that are technically sound, financially responsible, and capable of delivering measurable reductions in plastic leakage into the marine environment," he said.

 

 

RSC Approves Revisions to Pilot Project Designs

 

The RSC approved the revised pilot project design for Dipolog City, including the procurement of two compactor trucks, reflecting the Mayor's request to address the City's urgent solid waste management needs.

 

The RSC also approved the procurement of plastic recycling equipment sets for Daanbantayan and Tandag from Evergreen Labs Philippines Consulting Inc., following the revisions to the equipment types and functions based on the updated requirements of the two sites.

 

In addition, the RSC approved the procurement of balers and shredders for Bulan, Dipolog, and Calbayog from Evergreen Labs Philippines Consulting Inc. The consolidated procurement is expected to facilitate coordinated after-sales service, maintenance support, and technical training across all Project sites.
The revised pilot projects form part of Component 2 of the Marine Plastics ODA Project, which focuses on demonstrating best practices and locally adapted solutions for reducing marine plastic pollution. 

The pilot projects respond to findings from baseline assessments and evolving local needs, with the aim of strengthening solid waste management systems, enhancing community participation, and reducing plastic leakage into coastal and marine environments. 

 

Fond Farewells and Warm Welcomes

 

Mr. Hunguen Kim (left) and Ms. Elsie Merina (right) speaks to colleagues as they conclude their roles with the Project.

 

This year's Intersessional RSC also took a moment to recognize the efforts and contributions of Project team members, while welcoming new colleagues who will help carry the Project forward.

The Project expressed its appreciation to Mr. Hunguen Kim, who will be concluding his secondment to the Philippines after serving as Senior Manager of the Marine Plastics ODA Project. 

After 22 years of service at PRF, including the past three years as Program Associate for the Marine Plastics ODA Project, Ms. Elsie Merina bid farewell to the Project team, partners, and colleagues.

Throughout her years with PRF and the Project, Ms. Merina was an integral part in supporting project implementation and ensuring the smooth coordination of meetings, missions, and activities. 

As the Project bids farewell to valued colleagues, it also welcomed new team members who will continue advancing its work. Ms. Meinette Masangcay joins the Project team as Project Associate, while Mr. Timotio Alves and Mr. Antonio Carvalho will support the implementation of project activities in the Timor-Leste pilot sites.