In observance of Philippine Environment Month, the Climate Change Commission (CCC) has unveiled the “Bawal Plastik Dito!” sticker pack to promote public awareness about ocean conservation and responsible waste management. The initiative aligns with this year’s theme, “Ending Global Plastic Pollution,” emphasizing the urgent need for decisive action against the escalating plastic crisis threatening marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and public health.
The sticker pack, available on popular messaging platforms Viber and Telegram, features ocean-themed designs highlighting the harmful effects of plastic pollution in marine environments.
Every year, an estimated 10 million metric tons of plastic waste enter the world’s oceans, constituting approximately 80 percent of all marine pollution. Currently, between 50 trillion and 75 trillion pieces of plastic and microplastics circulate in marine waters worldwide.
CCC Executive Director Robert E.A. Borje expressed concern over the issue, stating, “The amount of plastic waste in the ocean is alarming, considering that it generally takes 500 to 1,000 years for plastics to degrade.”
He stressed that ocean clean-up should be a last resort, urging immediate action to reject single-use plastics and strengthen waste management systems at the household and community levels.
Under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Philippines has developed the National Adaptation Plan (NAP), which serves as a roadmap for addressing climate challenges—including the plastic pollution crisis. The NAP adopts a whole-of-nation approach to mitigate the country’s vulnerabilities to climate change and disaster risks.
This plan aligns with the Philippine Action Plan for Sustainable Consumption and Production (PAP4SCP) and supports the enforcement of key policies such as the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act. The EPR Act requires large corporations to manage the lifecycle of their plastic packaging waste, promoting accountability and sustainable practices.
Through efforts like the “Bawal Plastik Dito!” stickers and national policies, the CCC aims to foster greater environmental stewardship among Filipinos and protect the country’s oceans for future generations.
Related topics: