The Philippines generates 2.7 million tonnes of plastic waste annually and 20 per cent – or half a million tonnes – of that leaks into the oceans.

According to Froilan Grate, executive director of the Philippines branch of the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, an absence of garbage collection services in secondary cities and many of the country’s smaller islands is largely to blame for the overwhelming amount of marine plastic coming from the country. 

Philippines is home to 7,641 islands. It's not hard to find your dream beach or a pristine island over there and having it all for yourself. Boracay, Palawan, Cebu and Surigao are just some of the islands that have been dubbed as one of the best in the World. But this islands experience severe improper waste management that destroys the beauty nature presents. In fact it was so severe that the Philippine government had to close down Boracay because of beach erosion, disappearance of wetlands, high concentration of fecal coliform in Bolabog Beaches and pollution caused by IMPROPER WASTE MANAGEMENT and encroachment of protected areas by illegal structures.

The Philippines doesn't have a shortage of waste management or ocean advocacy groups. Friends who have been swept up by the zero waste trend will tell you it’s just a matter of swapping plastic straws for your reusable metal one. It’s not a bad suggestion, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to our trash problem.

According to Greenpeace Philippines Campaigner Abigail Aguilar, the Philippines has a good solid waste management law, but a lot more can be done in terms of implementation. RA 9003 or the “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000” has provisions for solid waste reduction and avoidance through recycling, composting, and other methods before disposal in the appropriate facilities.

Apart from the encouragement of the strict enforcement of the law such as following the correct setbacks, zoning ordinances, sewage treatment facilities, and solid waste management, let me share various solutions to combat pollution:

1. Tourism islands should develop farm tourism and farm-to-market restaurants and groceries. Island resorts can explore the possibility of discouraging imported food, especially packed junk foods that contribute to vast amount of plastic waste. This would also encourage local food production, and reduce “food miles” wasted. Many countries elsewhere in the world make use of farm-to-market and locally produced food as a form of tourism.

2. Plastic bottles should be limited or not allowed in beach and forest tourism areas. Beach resorts can make available several nearby water fountains, and hikers should be required to use reusable water bottles.

3. All supermarkets and wet markets should stop using plastic bags and impose the use of eco-bags.

4. Promote rain water harvesting and water recycling. Big establishments can be encouraged to use recycled water in their public toilets, and in doing so can merit tax incentives

5. Engaging the community: In developing an area, it is important to include the local community to forge a healthy relationship between the people and the tourism activities. We have often noticed in most communities, towns, and cities, despite being progressive, the local community has little or no participation in this urban growth. One of the reasons for the apathy of the locals towards the environment is their non-involvement in the environmental and tourism activities.

If we continue to neglect the problem of improper disposal of waste here in our country, the prized and famed islands and beaches we have would soon be gone. Not only would this affect us humans but it would also affect all other life and ecosystems around the islands. We must protect our islands. We must protect all life. WE MUST ACT AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!