Philippines still third largest source of ocean waste

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines remains to be the third largest source of discarded waste that ends up in the ocean, according to an official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

In a speech delivered during the R&D International Conference on connecting the dots on circular economy for sustainable development, Environment Undersecretary Jonas Leones said that waste management remains a challenge for many developing countries.

“Based on the World Bank data, the Philippines recycled around 27.8 percent of key plastic resins in 2019, and that 78 percent of the material value of plastics is lost to the Philippine economy each year,” Leones said.

He said that at present, resources are taken from nature to make products that are consumed and generate waste, which are incinerated or disposed of in dumping sites and landfills.

Leones said that managing raw materials, resources and wastes efficiently is crucial in building sustainable and livable cities and communities.