Cavite residents are raising their voices calling for strict enforcement of the plastic ban across the province to combat the escalating plastic pollution crisis.
Participants to the Cavite Environmental Summit 2024, an all-day summit to be held at the Philippine Christian University in Dasmariñas City, Cavite on Saturday, August 31, 2024, will discuss the unchecked spread of plastic waste in the province.
“Plastic pollution in Cavite is not just an environmental issue but a matter of justice that impacts the well-being and rights of communities. The province is grappling with significant environmental and health challenges due to plastic waste flooding its waterways and breaking down into harmful microplastics,” said Eloisa Tolentino, Zero Waste campaigner of the EcoWaste Coalition.
“These pollutants contaminate ecosystems and pose severe risks to human health. The crisis is largely attributed to systemic negligence, where profits are prioritized over people’s safety and rights,” she added.
Summit organizers, which include experts, fisherfolk, students, the clergy, and other stakeholders, note that due to rapid industrial growth and inadequate waste management in the province, plastic pollution is threatening the environment and public health.
The Summit aims to demand that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) strictly enforce the plastic ban imposed in the province in 2012.
The Imus River, a critical waterway in Cavite, highlights the urgency of the situation. As a major tributary to Manila Bay, it plays a significant role in the region’s environmental dynamics. Unfortunately, the river suffers from severe pollution due to the dumping of industrial and household waste, including plastics. This pollution not only degrades water quality but also impacts the livelihoods of local fishermen and threatens the province’s water resources.
Cavite generates a substantial amount of plastic waste annually, contributing significantly to the Philippines’ overall plastic pollution. Despite efforts to manage waste, improper handling and leakage from waste management systems have exacerbated the problem. About 74% of the plastic pollution in the Philippines comes from waste that has already been collected but is improperly managed.
Residents and environmental advocates are urging local government units (LGUs) to enforce Provincial Ordinance 007-2012 and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003) more rigorously, emphasizing waste segregation, proper disposal, and the establishment of Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) in each barangay.
They are also advocating for the implementation of the Cavite Provincial Solid Waste Management Plan, which aims for a 75% reduction in waste sent to disposal facilities by 2028 through increased recycling and composting initiatives.
Community members emphasize that stricter regulations on plastic production and waste management are necessary to curb the pollution and protect their environment and rights. They call for holding accountable those who contribute to this crisis and promoting sustainable practices.
“Cavite deserves a cleaner, healthier environment,” said Eileen Sison, a local resident. “We must work together to protect our rivers, our health, and our future.”
By taking collective action and pushing for better enforcement and sustainable practices, Cavite can become a model for environmental justice and responsible waste management.