CALAMBA CITY, Laguna (PIA) — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) CALABARZON joins the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) CALABARZON in launching the National Plan of Action for the prevention, reduction, and management of Marine Litter (NPOA-ML) and the Environmental Summit on July 14, 2022.

EMB CALABARZON Regional Director Noemi Paranada emphasized that the regional launch of the NPOA-ML is the region’s contribution to the national effort in the prevention and reduction of waste at the source and an aim in curbing the problems of improper solid waste management, as well as air and water pollution.

Corazon Gasapos, Regional SWM Coordinator, meanwhile urges the national government agencies, local government units, and all partner organizations to step out of their comfort zones and join their effort in caring for the environment.

Gasapos believes in the importance of understanding the concepts of the NPOA-ML and other relevant policies to ensure its smooth and thorough implementation.

According to a study conducted by the World Bank Group in 2021, the Philippines is classified as the 3rd largest contributor to mismanaged plastic waste that ends up in waterways.

To further mitigate the solid waste problem, the Natural Solid Waste Management Commission issued last year Resolution No. 1441, moving the adoption of the National Plan of Action.

The NPOA-ML will be a collaborative effort from all the NGAs and LGUs concerned, and other stakeholders with the goal of raising the current efforts on waste management to further reduce waste and other marine litter issues in the country.

The goal of the NPOA-ML is to achieve “zero waste to Philippine waters by 2040”, with its vision being “A Philippine free of marine litter through shared responsibility, accountability, and participatory governance.”

During his speech, DENR Regional Executive Director Nilo Tamoria said that even though implementing agencies are already doing their part in implementing the law, he admitted that there is still a long way to go in solving solid and liquid waste problems.

“We are still faced with the looming problems of both solid and liquid waste. As we launch our NPOA-ML, let us use this as our guide in improving our responsiveness to marine litter that threatens our country’s waters.”

Tamoria added that initiating new and out-of-the-box initiatives and keeping the communities engaged may bring public participation and enthusiasm and positive behavioral change to the people.

“We know that the battle for SWM and marine litter is far from over, so we challenge you to be part of the change. Be your own environmental champions. — Christopher Hedreyda, PIA4A (with reports from DENR CALABARZON)