Plastic pollution reaching Philippine waters equivalent to 14 Titanics. WWF’s three-year project with Grieg foundation, a Norwegian foundation, aims to reduce the waste by 50%.

Plastic trash in the sea results in many problems for the environment, animals, and human settlements. A recent study found that there is a significant amount of plastic waste not adequately disposed of and end up polluting the environment. WWF-Philippines/Neal Roxas

Filipinos consume about 2.15 million tons of plastics in a year and from which 9% are recycled and 35% leaks into the open environment, according to a study conducted by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), in a project funded by Grieg Foundation.

That amount of total plastics is equivalent to the weight of 41 Titanics. And out of that total, 14 of those massive ships (35%) end up as plastic waste in the ocean every year. A key pathway in how plastic pollution ends up in oceans is through ports where there is a high level of activity and traffic. 

WWF-Philippines continues to push for Extended Producers Responsibility Scheme

An Extended Producers Responsibility roadmap was released by conservation group World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines) on Thursday, highlighting the substantial impact of plastics in our environment and how adopting the EPR scheme can effectively change this worsening plastic problem. 

The updated report entitled “Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Scheme Assessment for Plastic Packaging Waste in the Philippines”, WWF-Philippines proposes an EPR scheme where the responsibility of implementing the scheme for building high-quality recycling capacity should be assumed by an industry-led, non-profit Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO), acting as the system operator, with strict monitoring and control systems carried out by the government.

Businesses commit to more sustainable paths forward post-pandemic

With the continuing battle against plastic pollution in the country, Philippine business leaders highlight their initiatives and show support for the Extended Producer Responsibility.  

Extended Producer Responsibility or EPR is an environmental policy approach introduced in the 1990s for accelerating the transition to sustainable waste management and a circular economy and more and more businesses worldwide are on board. 

EPR relies on two factors - improvement of product design and recyclability and improvement of waste management systems - and businesses here in the Philippines have stepped up to the challenge, taking sustainability seriously, by working on both upstream and downstream measures to address the plastic crisis. 

Coca-Cola Philippines is continuously moving forward with its “World Without Waste” campaign, a global effort of the Coca-Cola Company that aims to successfully recycle used bottles to new ones. In the Philippines, Coca-Cola’s one-billion-peso recycling facility is already nearing completion with a target to be open this year.

WWF Continues to Fight Against Plastic Pollution, Advocates for an Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme in the Philippines

Snapshot from a recycling facility in Quezon City,
taken during a field visit last February 2020
Photograph © Czarina Constantino / WWF-Philippines

Plastic pollution has reached gigantic dimensions worldwide and has caused serious consequences to marine life and the wellbeing of society. In a recent study, it has been estimated that about 11 million tonnes enter the ocean every year. If no action is made, this can triple by 2040 which is equivalent to 50 kg of plastics for every coastline meter worldwide. 

The Philippines, based on a 2015 modelling study, has been considered as one of the 10 top countries contributing to plastic pollution, has been continuously challenged with increasing waste generation and the lack of a sound waste management system. This calls for a comprehensive approach among policy makers, corporations, cities, and consumers to ensure that no plastics reaches nature. 

Plastic ACTion: Businesses tackle plastic pollution with WWF-Philippines

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines is tapping businesses to tackle plastic pollution and stop the flow of plastic waste into nature. 

As part of the first anniversary of WWF-Philippines’ #AyokoNgPlastik movement and the recent launch of its ‘No Plastics In Nature’ initiative, the conservation organization now introduces Plastic ACTion (PACT) for businesses.

At least 20 businesses came on board the movement on its first year and have since worked to significantly reduce their usage of single-use plastics. In the hopes of maximizing the efforts of these companies, WWF aims to encourage them to join PACT, a voluntary business initiative to eliminate plastic pollution in nature.

Businesses that have taken part in the sustainable journey movement were recognized as they transitioned into PACT. Each company reported their measurable impact in terms of the amount of plastic units that they were able to prevent from becoming trash.

“We all have a role to play in finding a solution to this plastics issue – and this includes businesses. We’re very grateful that these companies chose to take on the challenge of putting an end to plastic pollution and supporting our goal, which is to prevent plastic waste from leaking into nature,” shared WWF-Philippines President and CEO Joel Palma.

A total of nine businesses were awarded for taking first monumental steps towards plastic reduction. These businesses include Bellevue Hotel and Resorts, LIND Boracay, CIBO, The Moment Group, Toby’s Estate, Shakey’s Philippines, foodpanda, Corkcicle, and Fairways and Bluewater. 

Bellevue Hotel and Resorts served their complimentary water in glass bottles and stopped serving plastic straws, resulting in the annual elimination of 668,120 plastic bottles and 246,084 plastic straws. LIND Boracay also made the switch to water served in glass bottles, thus preventing 65,480 plastic bottles from becoming trash. 

CIBO opted to go with reusable straws, which removed 310,361 plastic straws for the first year. The Moment Group also refused to serve single-use plastics leading to the elimination of 114,691 plastic straws and 53,700 plastic cutleries in one year. Removal of straws was also the focus of Toby’s Estate, eliminating 144,000 plastic straws in a year’s time. 

One of the top consumer companies, Shakey’s Philippines has also pledged to reduce and eventually eliminate plastic straws and containers, which could lead to the yearly reduction of 1,791,600 plastic straws and 1,837,700 plastic containers. Online food delivery marketplace foodpanda gave their customers the option to opt out of plastic cutlery, removing in one year 34,633 pairs of cutlery. 

Tumbler brand Corkcicle also promoted the use of reusable drinking bottles, thus eliminating 1,267,450 plastic bottles per annum. Lastly, Fairways and Bluewater also committed to reduce 1.2 million units of plastic annually by ditching plastic bottles and toiletry containers.

Shakey’s Saves the Planet One Step at a Time

In its mission to provide a positive impact to the community, Shakey’s has partnered with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) to promote the #AyokoNgPlastik Movement.

Last August 8, 2019, a total of 131 volunteers from Shakey’s and WWF headed over to Las Pinas-Paranaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA) for a Coastal Clean-up.

LPPCHEA is a nature reserve of mangroves, ponds, lagoons and a mixed beach forest, and it homes 41 migratory bird species from China, Japan and Siberia. But because it is beside Manila Bay, the islands in LPPCHEA have been a catch basin for trash from the surrounding bodies of water especially during the rainy season.

Reef monitoring system vital for reef conservation and management

Sulu Sea, the richest reef region in the world, is home to 505 coral species and yet we know little about its reefs. With tourism booming exponentially in the Palawan islands, fishermen immigrating from nearby regions, and the seas warming, how are our corals coping? Which anthropogenic threats affect our reefs the most? Will corals in the Sulu Sea survive the warming waters? These questions seem basic yet no coral reef monitoring system is in place to help answer them. 

Dr. Wilfredo Licuanan with his team of research assistants from the De La Salle University Br. Alfred Shields FSC Ocean Research Center (DLSU-SHORE) and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines recently embarked on consecutive reef research trips to Tubbataha, Cagayancillo islands, Honda Bay, and Taytay, Palawan. This collaboration between DLSU-SHORE and WWF-Philippines, under a grant from WWF-Singapore, is called Designing of Monitoring and Evaluation System for Coral Reef Resilience and Fisheries Sustainability in Northeast Palawan through Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) or Network of MPAs. 

13 Philippine Cities Qualify for One Planet City Challenge 2019 – 2020

An aerial view of the bustling Pasig City. © WWF-Philippines

Thirteen cities from Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao have successfully met the qualifications to participate in the 2019-2020 edition of World Wide Fund for Nature’s (WWF) One Planet City Challenge (OPCC), following guidelines that were posted earlier this year by the international organization.

The OPCC, once known as the Earth Hour City Challenge (EHCC) when it was first launched in 2011, is a biennial global challenge that recognizes feats of infrastructure, housing, transportation, and mobility enacted by cities in commitment to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future. WWF recognizes the importance and highlights the roles of cities in combatting climate change, with 55% of the human population residing in urban centers and with 70% of global emissions emanating from them.

Ayoko Ng Plastic!" Is Earth Hour Philippines' Battle Cry this 2019

On the second year of the global #Connect2Earth theme of Earth Hour that calls for the urgent need to care for the Earth’s biological diversity, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines continues to focus on the issue of single-use plastics and how addressing it can help reverse the loss of nature.

Now on its 12th year, Earth Hour is considered as the world’s largest grassroots movement for the environment. What started out as a campaign to engage people and create significant environmental action against climate change has evolved into a platform that aims to raise awareness on the importance of biodiversity as a viable resource link that families, communities, nations, and future generations all depend upon. 

Let's Make #AyokoNgPlastik Literally and Figuratively Happen.

We can all agree that we hate (single-use) plastics that has already made a huge damage in the world. But solving this is not easy, but doable. We just need to lend our hands to make this idea a reality. WWF Philippines the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines, together with Ayala Malls and other partner corporations, recently launched the #AyokoNgPlastik movement at Glorietta 2 Activity Center.

With eight million tons of plastic ending up in oceans every year, the Philippines ranks as the world’s third plastic polluter of oceans. The #AyokoNgPlastik movement hopes to address these alarming facts by bringing together companies, individuals, and other sectors to minimize and eventually put a stop to single-use plastics such as straws, bags, bottles, and cups. Refusing these is a simple yet strong first step that individuals can take to commit to a sustainable lifestyle, especially since the harm that these materials cause directly affect humans.

Hamilo Coast & WWF: Nurturing a Sustainable Partnership

Pico de Loro Cove, Hamilo Coast’s maiden development,
is home to residential condominium developments
and a variety of leisure amenities at the
Pico de Loro Beach and Country Club.

The Philippines ranks third in plastic pollution in terms of dumping plastic into our oceans. This is largely caused by inefficient waste disposal in the country and poor awareness of the problem. Because of this, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines, has been closely involved in coastal cleanups and other initiatives around the country to instill the importance of tackling this issue. 

On its 11th landmark year, Hamilo Coast and WWF-Philippines’ partnership now stands firmly on environmental programs aimed at not just ending plastic pollution but also at preserving its surrounding nature. Hamilo Coast, with the help of WWF-Philippines, has gone way beyond annual coastal cleanups and has carefully planted sustainability within its day to day operations. 

Pasig City Named Philippine Winner of WWF’s One Planet City Challenge 2018

Leading experts within the field of urban sustainability around the world have proclaimed Pasig City as the Philippine National Capital of the 2017-2017 edition of World Wide Fund for Nature’s (WWF) One Planet City Challenge (OPCC), a biennial global challenge that recognizes cities for developing infrastructure, housing, transport and mobility solutions to power the global transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future. This edition saw 133 cities representing 23 countries accepting the Challenge. 

WWF-Philippines Opens Exhibit with Visual Art Ambassadors

Five top visual artists join World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines as art ambassadors to support its biodiversity conservation efforts. For their very first project, BenCab, Elmer Borlongan, Geraldine Javier, Mark O. Justiniani, and José Santos III created limited-edition sculptures, inspired by the organization’s iconic panda logo. Done in collaboration with Tin-aw Art Management Inc. and Secret Fresh, the show is the initial project of “Art, Heart, Earth,” a WWF-Philippines campaign to work with the cultural sector.

WWF-Philippines President and CEO Joel Palma says, “The Philippines is one of the 17 mega-diverse countries in the world, home to more than half of the world’s species. We are very excited to have five of the nation’s top artists join our battle to conserve nature in the face of climate change. We hope that through art, we continue to raise awareness on the urgent need to step up environmental action to protect earth’s biodiversity.”

WWF-Philippines: Earth Hour 2018 to push for intensified environmental actions

Supporting global calls to protect earth’s biodiversity, thousands trooped to the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ front lawn in Pasay City to take part in the official Earth Hour switch-off event led by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines.

WWF-Philippines’ CEO and President Joel M. Palma said, “The Philippines will continue to play an important role in sending a message to the rest of the world that we can tread the path to sustainable development and help protect our people and planet’s health and wellbeing. Thriving biodiversity serves as our lifeline, as it holds us all together.”

Earth Hour 2018 tackles biodiversity in a changing climate

Countdown is set for March 24 as World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines urges Filipinos to join the much-anticipated Earth Hour 2018 with the theme #Connect2Earth, which calls on the urgent need to care for our planet’s biodiversity. 

This year, Earth Hour’s Manila staging will come home to the iconic Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City, the venue of the Philippines’ first Earth Hour switch-off event 10 years ago. Annually, Earth Hour attracts millions of people around the world to converge around major world landmarks, cities, and communities to hold switch-off events for 60 minutes – starting at 8:30pm, as a sign of commitment to address the plight of our planet and our people.  

Responsible Travel and Surfing highlighted at Reef‘s “Free the Sea Movement 2” in Baler

Reef, a surf and lifestyle brand known worldwide, continues to promote responsible travel and environmental conservation with a fun-filled weekend in Baler for the Free the Sea Movement 2 last September 29 until October 1 , 2017.

In partnership with WWF Philippines, Free the Sea Movement 2 was set in Baler, Aurora, one of the country’s top hotspots for surfing. The exciting three-day event treated guests to a slew of fun activities that had them experience the waves and beauty of Sabang Beach.

Coastal Warriors of Hamilo Coast

Being close to nature’s wonders is a luxury in itself. With the breadth of its natural charms, Hamilo Coast ensures preservation of its natural bounty together with its long-standing partner – WWF Philippines (WWF), a close ally in environmental stewardship. 

Together, Hamilo Coast and WWF have implemented several programs to guarantee the upkeep of the pristine, coastal surroundings. A focal point is Reef to Ridge Management, a program that centers on both the land and seas, acknowledging that everything that happens on the ridge, has a direct effect on the reef. A significant feat through this program was the declaration of Hamilo Coast’s three coves – Pico de Loro, Santelmo, and Etayo coves as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The monitoring and conservation of these coves is especially dedicated to the protection and maintenance of marine biodiversity, ecosystems, and resources. As a result of this effort, Hamilo Coast’s MPAs have been a go-to destination for snorkeling, fish feeding, and even quick dives in the area; not to mention the significant increase in fish catch in its other coves that of course were affected by the healthy ecosystem of the MPAs.  

Wine, Dine and Save the Planet at WWF’s Sustainable Food Sustainable Future Dinner

THE changing climate and the uncontrolled and wasteful consumption have resulted to concerns on how to continue feeding the planet today and in the future.

This is why WWF-Philippines, with the mission of Transforming Lives, is calling all food connoisseurs and environmental advocates to support Sustainable Food Sustainable Future, a benefit dinner created to educate Filipinos on the importance of sustainable consumption and supporting our local farmers and fishermen by eating local.

Proceeds of the Sustainable food, Sustainable Future dinner will go to WWF-Philippines’ campaigns and efforts to secure food sources of the future, aid the livelihood of local farmers and fishermen, and promote eco-friendly means of food production and consumption.

WWF-Philippines Ambassador Luis Manzano becomes fundraiser for a day

Last March 16, WWF-Philippines Marine Conservation Steward Luis Manzano was the newest WWF Ambassador who became a fundraiser for a day. Held in Glorietta 4, Makati, this project aimed to spread awareness on pressing environmental issues and introduce the Individual Donor Programme (IDP) to the public.

Everyone can now directly contribute in the ecological-sustainability initiatives of the World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines thru participating in the Individual Donor Programme which encourages people to funnel their finances in vital and urgent causes such as conservation.

WWF-Philippines appoints Iza Calzado as its Female National Ambassador

Environmental solutions-provider World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Philippines) announced the appointment of its latest National Ambassador – multi-awarded actress and TV personality Iza Calzado.

Calzado joins the growing family of celebrities who are helping spread WWF’s solutions on climate change, conservation, resource protection and environmental education.

WWF-Philippines President Joel Palma believes she is a natural choice. “Iza embodies the empowered Filipina who leads an active, healthy and sustainable lifestyle. Plus, she’s actively involved in raising environmental awareness.”

The actress is excited to become part of the organization and hopes to share WWF solutions – plus her own unique lessons – to raise public awareness on ecological issues. “It’s time for us to give extra attention to environmental solutions and how we can turn the tide if we work together, today,” said Calzado.