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EcoWaste Coalition Collaborates with DLSU-D to Combat Marine Litter in Manila Bay

January 17, 2025 | By ALLYSA AREGLO
EcoWaste Coalition Collaborates with DLSU-D to Combat Marine Litter in Manila Bay

De La Salle University-Dasmariñas (DLSU-D) and EcoWaste Coalition presented the findings of the 2024 Marine Litter Monitoring Survey, aiming to reduce marine pollution in Manila Bay. The report was shared at a conference in Quezon City by DLSU-D researchers Dr. Johnny Ching and Dr. Michael Guyamin.

The survey, conducted in 2024, covered 10 project sites in Cavite, Bataan, and the National Capital Region (NCR). It revealed a 42% decrease in marine litter between 2023 and 2024. However, plastics remain the dominant debris, accounting for 91% of the waste. Seasonal data also showed a 16% increase in waste collection during wet months compared to the dry season.

Wes Lipana, Marine Litter Management Officer at EcoWaste Coalition, emphasized the importance of stricter waste management. “These findings demonstrate the progress we’ve made, but they also highlight the urgent need for stricter waste management practices,” Lipana said.

Challenges and Solutions

The report urges stronger enforcement of environmental laws like RA 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act) and RA 9275 (Clean Water Act). It also recommends expanding awareness campaigns in barangays, standardizing cleanup methods, and developing a comprehensive marine litter management plan for Manila Bay that involves both government and community efforts.

The conference underscored the significance of public engagement in ensuring the long-term success of Manila Bay’s restoration. Lipana concluded, “It is crucial that everyone — from government agencies to local communities — joins forces to implement the solutions outlined in this report. We need sustained commitment to tackle the marine litter problem and ensure the long-term health of Manila Bay.”

Call for Action

In observance of Zero Waste Month, EcoWaste Coalition urges communities to adopt sustainable practices to protect Manila Bay and other coastal ecosystems across the country.

The survey is part of the Enhancing Marine Litter Management (EMLM) program (2021-2025), funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Korea Marine Environment Management Corporation, through Our Sea of East Asia Network (OSEAN).