WITH THOUSANDS of volunteers collecting nearly 11,000 kilograms of trash along 34 kilometers of coastline, the recent International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) Day in Western Visayas was a success. But while the sheer volume of waste collected — dominated by plastic bottles, grocery bags, and food wrappers — shows the dedication of local communities to environmental stewardship, it also bares a sobering truth: cleanups, though valuable, are not enough to solve the growing problem of marine pollution.Year after year, similar efforts yield staggering amounts of waste, pointing to a deeper systemic issue that demands more than just once-a-year intervention. If we are to truly tackle the crisis of marine pollution, we must move beyond the short-term solution of cleanups and focus on community-led, proactive strategies that address the root causes of plastic waste.
At the heart of any long-term solution to marine pollution is education. Local communities, particularly those in coastal areas, must be fully informed about the impact of single-use plastics on marine ecosystems and livelihoods. Beyond knowledge, people need to be equipped with practical alternatives. Barangay-level seminars and workshops on waste segregation, composting, and the use of reusable products can go a long way in reducing the daily waste output of households. Schools should also be integral to this educational drive, instilling environmental responsibility in the younger generation.
Also, it must be pointed out that while national legislation on plastic waste management exists, enforcement at the local level remains inconsistent. In Western Visayas, local governments should take the lead in adopting ordinances that ban or limit the use of single-use plastics. Municipalities and barangays can establish rules requiring businesses to use eco-friendly packaging or provide incentives for shops and markets that adopt plastic-free practices. Some cities have already successfully implemented plastic bans — Western Visayas should follow suit by expanding these initiatives to cover more products, such as sachets, and enforcing penalties for violations.
The root of the marine pollution crisis also lies in the region’s waste management infrastructure. Western Visayas, like many parts of the country, struggles with a lack of proper waste disposal systems, leading to much of the trash finding its way into rivers and coastal waters. The solution begins with strengthening local waste management systems—investing in materials recovery facilities (MRFs), improving recycling programs, and ensuring that proper waste collection services are consistently available. Coastal communities should be encouraged to establish small-scale recycling centers or participate in zero-waste programs that not only reduce waste but also create livelihood opportunities.
The ICC event in Western Visayas was successful in raising awareness, but without sustained efforts, we risk seeing the same plastic waste pile up on our shores next year. By empowering communities to take the lead, enforcing local ordinances that reduce plastic waste, and investing in sustainable waste management, Western Visayas can be at the forefront of the fight against marine pollution. The future of our oceans — and the livelihoods of those who depend on them — depends on it.
