THE Philippine capital has been included in the 30 Cities Program of The Ocean Cleanup (TOC)-a global initiative aimed at drastically reducing plastic waste flowing from rivers into the world’s international waters.
The program led by the Rotterdam-based nonprofit seeks to deploy its Interceptor technologies in 30 strategic cities across Asia and the Americas by 2030.
‘We are pleased that [TOC] is bringing its science-based solutions and impactful programs to the Philippines,’ Ambassador J. Eduardo Malaya said during a diplomatic briefing hosted by the organization on October 30 at the Carlton Ambassador Hotel in The Hague. ‘We look forward to the [Interceptors’ deployment] in the Pasig and Meycauayan Rivers, which will help improve water quality, protect aquatic life, and reduce plastic pollution in Manila Bay.’
TOC is currently working with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Municipality of Meycauayan in Bulacan in assessing river sites and finalizing arrangements.
Preliminary research and data analysis are underway in both Manila and Cebu, through Energies PH during the program’s early engagement phase.
The Philippines is among the world’s top contributors to oceanic plastic waste, generating some 2.7 million tons annually, with about 20 percent ending up in the ocean because of inadequate recycling and waste management systems.
Single-use plastics-especially sachets used for everyday products-make up nearly three-fourths of household waste and are neither compostable nor recyclable.
Malaya emphasized the need for sustainable alternatives to plastic packaging and called for the adoption of paper grocery bags. He also highlighted national and local efforts in combating plastic pollution-including the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (Republic Act 9003), the Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022 (RA 11898), and community-led initiatives.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is actively supporting the proposed Global Plastic Treaty, which aims to set ambitious targets for plastic reduction.
The United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France launched the TOC’s 30 Cities Program and builds on the organization’s success in cleaning the Great Pacific Garbage Patch-an area with over 100 million kilograms of floating plastic. The initiative combines data-driven cleanup, monitoring by artificial intelligence, and community engagement to maximize environmental and social impact.
During the briefing, experts from the nonprofit presented strategies for sustainable waste management and river cleanup, including insights from River Survey Engineer Thaine Assumpcao, Environmental Manager Gabriela Alvarez, Waste Manager Nadhira Sagita Putri, and Global Director of Public Affairs Monty Simus, who recently visited Manila. TOC’s Global Public Affairs Specialist Rosa Heuveling van Beek facilitated the session.
Founded in 2013 by Dutch inventor and entrepreneur Boyan Slat, TOC operates in eight countries including Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Its mission is to rid the world’s oceans of plastic by intercepting waste before it reaches marine ecosystems.
With Manila now part of the ambitious global effort, the city takes a significant step toward cleaner waterways and a more sustainable future.