Philippines kicks off plastic analysis study and stakeholder consultation in six project areas

In Bulan, Sorsogon, the local government led a stakeholders’ pledge of commitment during the project consultation attended by other government agencies, civils society organizations, conservation groups, and academic institutions. Photo by PEMSEA/John Castillo

 

 

Quezon City, Philippines – Six cities and municipalities in the Philippines have started the plastic analysis and characterization study as part of the preparatory work of the marine plastics reduction project supported by the Republic of Korea. 

 

 

The result of the plastic analysis and characterization study (PACS) will provide baseline information on the types of plastics generated by the households in selected towns and cities in the country. This information will be used to identify action plans of the project to improve the governance and practices on the management of marine plastics in the municipalities of Bulan in Sorsogon and Daanbantayan in Cebu, as well as cities of Puerto Princesa, Calbayog, Dipolog, and Tandag.

 

The local team in Tandag City was sorting the collected plastic wastes based on its classification. The plastics wastes will be counted and weighed for proper recording. Photo by PEMSEA/Rizza Dejucos

 

 

 

The Municipal/City Environment and National Resources Offices and local teams comprised of community leaders and students were trained to conduct the survey, sorting, and documentation of collected plastics in the pilot communities. Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) contracted AMH Philippines, Inc. as technical partner and national lead in conducting PACS. 

 

 

Moreover, a series of consultation was also held in all Philippine sites to inform and engage coastal communities and other concerned stakeholders in citizen science. Across all sites, trained partners from local universities will lead the beach monitoring that aims to generate data on long-term tracking and occurrence of marine plastics. This will also raise awareness among students and volunteer organizations on the flow, sources, and impact of plastics pollution in the different waterways.  

 

 

A regional marine environment protector campaign will be rolled out also to boost awareness activities, advocate actions from the communities, and help gain traction from local policy makers in implementing evidence-based policy and long-term action plans. 

 

 

In Puerto Princesa City, the project will be aligned also on its sustainable tourism advocacy, management of marine protected areas, and coastal management plan, in general. 

 

Dipolog City Mayor Dexter Uy showed his full support to the Project by emphasizing the importance of engaging stakeholders in the upstream areas as sources of marine plastics pollution. Photo by Dipolog City Mayor’s Office

 

 

Meanwhile, local chief executives including Mayor Sun Shimura of Daanbantayan, Mayor Raymund Uy of Calbayog City, and Mayor Dexter Uy of Dipolog City reaffirmed their commitments and support by leading the opening of the stakeholders’ consultation in their respective cities and municipality. 

 

 

The six-year initiative called “Reducing Marine Plastics Pollution in the East Asian Seas Region” aims improve the management of marine plastics in two countries through science-based governance, innovative solutions to promote circular economy, regular data beach monitoring, relevant trainings, and community awareness drive. It is being implemented by PEMSEA in partnership with the Ministry of Ocean and Fisheries of the Republic of Korea.