A joint study by EcoWaste Coalition and De La Salle University – Dasmariñas shows significant progress in reducing marine litter in Manila Bay, with a 36% decrease in marine waste and a 42% drop in total collected trash between 2023 and 2024.
Plastic Still Dominates Waste
Despite the improvement, plastic waste remains a major issue, accounting for over 91% of the litter collected. The majority of these plastics are hard and film-based materials. Additionally, the study recorded a 16% rise in litter counts during the wet season.
Call for Stricter Measures
“These results show progress, but they underscore the need for more stringent waste management,” said Wes Lipana, Project Officer for EcoWaste Coalition’s Enhancement of Marine Litter Management (EMLM) initiative. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between government agencies and communities to address the persistent plastic problem.
Recommendations
The study suggests:
- Stricter enforcement of environmental laws
- Barangay-level information campaigns
- Standardized clean-up strategies for affected areas
- Development of a comprehensive marine litter management plan for Manila Bay
Funding and Support
This initiative was funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency Philippines (KOICA) and the Korea Marine Environment Management Corporation through the Our Sea of East Asia Network (OSEAN).
“It is vital for all stakeholders to commit to the solutions outlined in this report to ensure the long-term health of Manila Bay,” Lipana concluded.