PCG enforces single-use plastic ban

MANILA, Philippines — Starting next week, employees of the Philippine Coast Guard will be required to comply with a ban on single-use plastic as part of the PCG’s efforts to promote marine environmental protection.

The ban on single-use plastic is in response to the directive of PCG chief Admiral Artemio Abu to reduce plastic waste.

“We will impose sanctions on PCG personnel who will disobey the order. We are implementing the policy to be part of conversations of sea passengers, crew of shipping companies and other stakeholders,” PCG spokesman Commodore Armand Balilo said at a press briefing yesterday.

The PCG prohibits the use of single-use plastic cups, drinking straws, coffee stirrers, utensils and wrappers, among others.

Balilo said the directive would be formalized through a “pledge of commitment” that will be signed by Abu, Maritime Industry Authority administrator Hernan Fabia and Philippine Ports Authority office-in-charge Francisquel Moncile on Sept. 25.

A World Bank study in March 2021 showed that the Philippines was the third largest contributor of plastic waste, with an estimated 0.75 million metric tons of mismanaged plastic going to the ocean every year.