The collection drive, carried out across 21 barangays in Brooke’s Point and Narra, raised the program’s total nationwide bottle recovery to more than 240,000 bottles. Barangay Tubtub in Brooke’s Point posted the highest collection among participating communities, gathering 11,489 bottles.

Under the program, used bottles are turned over to GSMI and reintegrated into the company’s production system for reuse or recycling into new bottles. Residents and barangays are encouraged to retrieve empty bottles from homes, public spaces, and collection points to help reduce glass waste in landfills, waterways, and coastal areas.

GSMI said wider community participation remains crucial in ensuring that discarded bottles are properly recovered and recycled instead of ending up as waste.

The initiative forms part of the sustainability efforts of San Miguel Corporation and the San Miguel Foundation, which promote practical community-based programs focused on waste reduction, recycling, and resource recovery.

BOTEful Philippines was first launched in Aparri in October 2017, where more than 6,000 bottles were collected. The initiative has since expanded to Batanes, Pangasinan, Negros Occidental, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, and Palawan.

The Palawan leg of the program, launched in September 2025, was implemented with the support of local government units, partner organizations, and participating barangays.

“The Palawan experience showed us how much more we can do when communities fully support the program,” said Ramon S. Ang, chairman and CEO of SMC, GSMI’s parent company.

“A bottle that is returned can still be reused or recycled. A bottle that is thrown away becomes waste. That is why we want to bring this initiative to more areas and encourage more people to take part,” he added.

Participating barangays and residents received incentives for the bottles they collected, including redeemable points for selected San Miguel Food and Beverage products.

GSMI said the BOTEful Philippines program also supports government solid waste management initiatives by encouraging recycling and greater community participation in waste reduction efforts.

The “ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Maritime Cooperation,” adopted during the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu on May 8 under the Philippines’ chairmanship, comes amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Indo-Pacific, intensifying competition among major powers, and growing concerns over disruptions to global trade and energy routes.

In the declaration, ASEAN leaders “reaffirmed [their] shared commitment to maintaining and promoting peace, security, stability and prosperity in the region,” while stressing the “peaceful resolution of disputes” in accordance with international law, “including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).”

The declaration also underscored the “universal and unified character” of UNCLOS, describing it as “the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out.”

The statement is significant as maritime disputes in the South China Sea continue to test regional stability, particularly amid confrontations involving coast guards and maritime forces in contested waters.

ASEAN leaders also highlighted growing concerns over the vulnerability of global shipping and energy routes, linking maritime stability directly to food and energy security.

The declaration recognized “the importance of maintaining stable and reliable global energy supply chains and maritime trade routes, as well as minimizing disruptions to the flow of energy and essential goods, including food.”

The issue has become increasingly urgent as conflicts in key maritime chokepoints and disruptions in global shipping lanes continue to affect fuel prices, logistics costs, and inflation across Southeast Asia.

Beyond traditional security concerns, ASEAN widened the scope of maritime cooperation to include critical underwater infrastructure such as submarine cables and pipelines, reflecting growing anxieties over cyber threats, sabotage, and infrastructure vulnerability in strategic waters.

Leaders emphasized the need to “strengthen awareness, protection, and resilience of critical underwater infrastructure (CUI), including submarine cables and pipelines, in light of evolving maritime challenges.”

The declaration also linked maritime governance to climate and environmental risks, warning about “the profound and growing threat that sea level rise poses to the coastal communities, livelihoods, and territorial integrity of ASEAN Member States.”

ASEAN leaders further committed to strengthening cooperation against marine pollution, illegal fishing, marine debris, and plastic pollution, while supporting sustainable marine economic development under the bloc’s blue economy agenda.

On the South China Sea, ASEAN reaffirmed “the importance of the full and effective implementation” of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and pledged to “endeavour to conclude the negotiation of an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC).”

The declaration also backed the planned establishment of an ASEAN Maritime Centre in the Philippines, envisioned as a regional hub for maritime cooperation, policy coordination, and cross-sector collaboration.

ASEAN leaders said the center would “support the work of ASEAN and ASEAN-led mechanisms on maritime-related issues and will promote cross-sectoral and cross-pillar collaboration among ASEAN Member States.”

The maritime declaration aligns closely with the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN chairmanship theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together,” which Manila has framed around regional resilience, connectivity, and rules-based cooperation amid a rapidly changing geopolitical environment.

The declaration was adopted by ASEAN member states Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam during the summit in Cebu.

In a statement on Earth Day (April 22), ATM said that the Alternative Minerals Management Bill (AMMB) must be prioritized. It called for the repeal of the 1995 Mining Act, arguing that existing policies have failed to protect communities and the environment.

The group also directly called on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to act in favor of communities opposing mining operations, particularly those who have mounted barricades in Dupax del Norte in Nueva Vizcaya, Manicani and Homonhon islands in Eastern Samar, MacArthur in Leyte, and Sibuyan Island in Romblon.

“These communities are calling for a halt to mining operations and the cancellation of mining contracts in their respective areas. Earth Day is a timely reminder to the DENR to act on the residents’ demands and to make erring mining companies accountable for their violations and breaches,” said Jaybee Garganera, ATM national coordinator.

ATM maintained that without decisive government action, conflicts between mining firms and host communities will continue to escalate, especially in ecologically sensitive and disaster-prone areas.

Garganera warned that mining activities are compounding the country’s climate vulnerabilities.

“Measures to address the climate crisis and ensure the survival of the planet should include reforms in the government’s policies on large-scale mining. Mining in many communities today is causing environmental degradation, worsening the impacts of climate change, and endangering the lives and livelihoods of the people,” he said.

He stressed that a new law must ensure that the country’s mineral wealth benefits Filipinos, particularly as demand rises with the global shift to renewable energy.

“It is unjust that other countries benefit from our minerals while our communities suffer from the destruction caused by mining,” he added.

ATM said the proposed AMMB would designate “no-go zones” for mining, covering critical watersheds, biodiversity areas, disaster-prone zones, agricultural lands, and forests. It also seeks to strengthen indigenous peoples’ rights and ensure local communities have a decisive voice in mining projects.

“A just energy transition entails replacing the Mining Act with the AMMB. This is a concrete climate action that the government must urgently undertake towards nation-building and the wise and discriminating use of our minerals and natural resources,” Garganera said.

In a statement dated April 15, the DFA said it is “awaiting to receive the formal report of the findings from the scientific and technical analysis done by relevant authorities on the chemicals confiscated from Chinese fisherfolk in Ayungin Shoal last year,” noting that the document will guide its next steps.

“The formal report will serve as the basis for the DFA to evaluate and determine the appropriate diplomatic action to take on this matter,” the department said.

The issue stems from separate interdictions by Philippine forces on February 20 and October 24, 2025, when Navy personnel under the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command intercepted Chinese fishing boats operating near the BRP Sierra Madre, the country’s outpost in Ayungin Shoal. Authorities seized so-called “yellow bottles,” along with gloves and fishing gear, from the vessels.

These materials were later examined by the National Bureau of Investigation, whose forensic tests confirmed the presence of cyanide, a toxic chemical known to destroy coral reefs, kill fish, and pose risks to human health.

Earlier in April, National Security Council (NSC) Assistant Director General and Spokesperson Cornelio H. Valencia disclosed the laboratory findings, saying the cyanide-laced bottles were recovered “in the immediate vicinity” of the BRP Sierra Madre.

In a press conference, the NSC warned that such acts may constitute illegal destructive fishing and even “sabotage” of marine ecosystems and the food supply of Filipino troops and fisherfolk in the area.

The DFA underscored the broader legal implications of the incident, stating that “the use of cyanide and other similar toxic agents in the marine environment is irresponsible and unacceptable, and runs counter to obligations of States Parties under the 1982 UNCLOS, particularly the duty to protect and preserve the marine environment and prevent pollution at sea.”

Ayungin Shoal lies within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea, a part of the broader South China Sea that remains a flashpoint for maritime tensions between Manila and Beijing.

China has denied the allegations, calling them unfounded and accusing Philippine authorities of harassing its fishermen.

Despite the competing claims, the DFA reiterated its position: “The Philippines will continue to monitor and call out any infringements on its sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction across all its maritime zones.”

The anticipated report is expected to shape Manila’s next move as it balances environmental protection, food security concerns, and ongoing tensions in the contested waters.

The financing, signed on March 17, 2026, will support the Marine Ecosystems for Blue Economy Development Program Subprogram 1 (MEBED1), a government initiative focused on strengthening the protection, restoration, and sustainable management of coastal and marine resources.

Finance Secretary Frederick D. Go said the investment is aimed at turning environmental protection into a driver of economic growth.

“By strengthening the foundations of the blue economy, we are securing livelihoods, raising incomes, and reinforcing a vital engine of national growth, today and for the future,” he said in a news release.

The €200-million financing from KfW will fund reforms and operations to improve regulatory capacity and address long-standing challenges in managing the country’s marine and coastal ecosystems.

The program is expected to benefit over three million Filipinos, including fisherfolk, aquaculture operators, and tourism workers, by creating more sustainable income opportunities and strengthening the resilience of coastal communities.

The agreement was signed by Secretary Go and KfW Management Committee Member Stephan Opitz, underscoring the growing development partnership between the Philippines and Germany.

Go said the deal reflects a shared commitment to aligning environmental protection with economic development.

The signing ceremony was attended by DOF Undersecretary Joven Z. Balbosa and German Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Mathias Kruse.

KfW is Germany’s state-owned development bank, headquartered in Frankfurt, and is among the largest development financing institutions in the world.

The turnover took place during a recent site visit and plant tour at PLAF’s facility in Muntinlupa City. Representatives from Meralco’s Facilities, Safety and Security Management, Networks Distribution Services, Corporate Sustainability Office, and One Meralco Foundation participated in the activity, highlighting the company’s cross-functional approach to responsible waste management.

The initiative forms part of Meralco’s broader sustainability strategy aimed at reducing operational waste while supporting innovative solutions that convert plastic waste into durable, reusable products. In May, Meralco entered into a memorandum of agreement with PLAF to strengthen its waste management efforts under the Race to Zero Waste Program, which targets the diversion of solid waste away from landfills.

For its initial donation, Meralco successfully diverted more than 500 kilograms of plastic waste collected from its North, Central, and South Business Areas, as well as its Ortigas Center headquarters. This effort complements Meralco’s company-wide ban on single-use plastics (SUPs), which has reduced SUPs in its waste stream by 57 percent—from 45 metric tons in 2021 to 19 metric tons in 2024.

Meralco First Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer Raymond B. Ravelo underscored the program’s impact. “Race to Zero Waste has been one of our flagship sustainability programs since 2020 and has boosted our waste diversion rate more than fivefold—from a baseline of 17 percent to 95 percent today. This partnership with PLAF builds on that achievement, further translating our sustainability efforts into real, measurable, and meaningful impact for both people and the planet,” he said.

PLAF, a French-founded social enterprise operating in the Philippines since 2018, focuses on transforming ocean-bound plastic into 100-percent recycled products such as ecoboards, shelters, furniture, and school chairs. With over 300 collection points deployed across Metro Manila, PLAF intercepts plastic waste before it reaches waterways and converts it into eco-products that support communities and livelihoods.

Beyond its environmental benefits, the partnership delivers clear business value for Meralco. By diverting waste from landfills and reducing dependence on single-use plastics, the company is lowering long-term waste management costs, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening compliance with evolving environmental regulations.

The program also enhances Meralco’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance—an increasingly critical factor for investors, lenders, and regulators. With a waste diversion rate now reaching 95 percent, Race to Zero Waste demonstrates measurable outcomes that support risk management, capital access, and long-term resilience in the Philippine power sector.

Meralco Vice President and Head of Facilities and Safety Management Jerry B. Lao emphasized that sustainability goes beyond waste reduction. “Proper waste management is only the beginning. Real sustainability is finding ways to convert waste into something that benefits both the environment and the communities around us,” he said.

The initiative aligns with Meralco’s sustainability agenda, Powering the Good Life, which is anchored on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and guided by four strategic pillars: Power, Planet, People, and Prosperity. Through these efforts, Meralco ensures that every kilogram of plastic diverted contributes to a cleaner environment and a more resilient future for Filipinos.

Presidential Assistant for Maritime Concerns Secretary Andres Centino warned of the “heightened complexity in the maritime environment,” citing “incursions into our waters, coercive actions, and illegal activities by external actors” that continue to challenge Philippine sovereignty.

Despite these threats, Centino stressed that Filipino communities are ready to safeguard the nation’s waters. Many fisherfolk “affirmed their willingness to cooperate or to help government by reporting maritime incidents and suspicious activities.” He also acknowledged the real dangers they face: “Many hesitated to file reports due to legitimate concerns about possible retaliation and harassment,” calling for targeted policies, stronger safeguards, and sustained engagement to build trust.

Stratbase Institute President Prof. Victor Andres “Dindo” Manhit underscored that the Philippines’ fight for maritime rights is rooted not only in sovereignty but also in environmental protection. He noted that China’s island-building activities have caused “devastating and long-lasting damage to the marine environment,” a key factor behind the 2016 arbitral victory.

Manhit also raised concern about growing disinformation around maritime issues. While public support for defending Philippine waters remains strong, he noted “an uptick in the number of disengagement” in recent years. Still, 72% of Filipinos support government efforts to protect the country’s territory, marine resources, and the rights of fishing communities, highlighting the importance of policies that “put a human face” on national security.

Regional Partners Highlight Community-Based Maritime Security

Diplomatic leaders from Australia, Vietnam, and New Zealand emphasized that community-centered maritime governance is increasingly shaping regional security cooperation.

Australian Ambassador Mark Innes-Brown highlighted how communities become effective first responders when equipped with tools and training. He cited Australia’s support for frontline Philippine maritime agencies, including the Coast Guard.

“In 2024, Australia is proud to donate four watermakers to provide PCG vessels with potable water, allowing for extended mission times during deployment at sea,” he said. Australia also donated high-frequency radios to Palawan units, enhancing their ability to respond to maritime incidents.

Vietnamese Ambassador Lai Thai Binh underscored that coastal communities are central to Vietnam’s own maritime strategy, noting that community-based monitoring aligns closely with the Philippines’ approach.

Vietnam’s Integrated Coastal Management Program empowers local communities, fish ports, and village networks to monitor resources and report illegal activities. Through partnerships, communities are trained on marine debris assessment and real-time reporting using apps and cameras. “Our fish port networks in southern provinces have been instrumental in limiting encroachment, contributing to national databases that inform policy decisions,” he added.

New Zealand Ambassador Catherine McIntosh echoed the importance of community capacity building, citing programs in maritime safety, education for artisanal fishers, domestic vessel standards, and training in search and rescue and pollution response.

Philippine Coast Guard: Fisherfolk as Frontline Guardians

Philippine Coast Guard Commandant ADM Ronnie Gil Gavan explained how the PCG institutionalized community participation in maritime safety and national security.

“Our mission is to engage all of our stakeholders in the coastal communities and beyond,” he said. “The program allows us not only to provide support to our fishermen but to leverage their presence at sea as our first-line sources of information.”

Gavan emphasized that trust is the backbone of an effective maritime monitoring system.

“The Philippine Coast Guard has been trying to be one of the significant instruments of diplomacy of the country. We project presence, strengthen alliances, and build trust. Information should be seamless if we trust each other, not only in our coastal communities but across the region,” he said.

NCC received the “Water Conservation Initiative of the Year” award after saving 212,000 cubic meters of water and reusing 22.7 million liters of treated wastewater in 2024, thanks to its 200,000-cubic-meter rainwater harvesting pond and advanced wastewater treatment facility in Pangasinan.

The company’s initiatives generated over US$4.7 million in total savings, while 54.9% of its potable water supply came from harvested rainwater, adding US$35,396 in savings.

Beyond operational gains, NCC’s water projects have helped mitigate flooding, support biodiversity, and benefit nearby communities. Native aquatic species such as edible shells, freshwater crabs, and dragonflies have returned to restored waterways, while a recent survey recorded 42 bird species and sightings of the Philippine long-tailed macaque within NCC’s concession area.

NCC also partners with local schools and farmers’ groups to promote water-saving practices, installing rainwater catchment systems and providing tanks to 12 sites under the National Greening Program. Over 200 volunteers join regular creek cleanup drives, while plastic waste is processed through the company’s co-processing system.

The company’s program complies with the Philippine Clean Water Act (RA 9275) and holds ISO 14001:2015 certification. NCC has also received several national and regional citations, including the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (2024) and the DENR-MGB Region I Best Performing Mining Contractor awards for 2024 and 2025.

In a news release, Alliance Francaise said this musical experience promises to be a unique blend of music, culture, and advocacy. It said it will captivate audiences while highlighting the urgent need for biodiversity conservation.

Manu Chao’s performances, presented by The Pangolin Sound Project, are set to take place on March 21 at the Samsung Hall in SM Aura, Manila, and on March 28 at Kalye Artisano in El Nido, Palawan.

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL), SM Supermalls, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) also support the concert that aims to spotlight the plight of the Palawan pangolin, one of the most threatened species in the region.

Organizers said the event is more than just a concert. They said it’s an opportunity for concertgoers to be part of a global movement that seeks to protect this elusive creature from extinction.

TICKETING DETAILS:

Exchange vouchers: 10 AM-3 PM

Ticket purchases: 10 AM-5 PM

For more information and to secure your tickets, please send an email to nfuentes@alliance.ph and nsantos@alliance.ph.

Harald Fries, Chargé d’affaires at the Embassy of Sweden in Manila, underscored the significance of sustainable mining in both nations.

“We believe that together, we can redefine mining practices to ensure they are sustainable, safe, and economically viable, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable development,” Chargé d’affaires Fries said at the signing ceremony.

Håkan Jevrell, State Secretary to the Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade, said Sweden is committed to sustainable mining as it both addresses climate change and fosters economic growth.

“Mining has been a pivotal industry for both Sweden and the Philippines, supporting a range of sectors globally and identified as one of the keys to sustaining global action in reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” Secretary Jevrell said.

Mr. Ramon T. Santiago, PMSEA board member and treasurer, said his association is dedicated to enhancing mining safety and environmental standards in the country. He also collaboration is important to achieving responsible mining practices that benefit both the industry and the communities it impacts.

According to Sweden’s innovation agency Vinnova, the country’s mining industry has only in a few decades become safe, more climate-friendly, and productive.

“At the same time, the challenges for this industry are increasing. In order to reach the goal of being a fossil-free industry by 2045 and also meet an ever-increasing demand for metals, major changes are still required. This applies within the mining industry, throughout trade and industry and at societal level,” Vinnova said on its website.

Business Sweden and PMSEA said they are committed to working together to drive sustainability, safety, and efficiency in the mining industry. They said the collaboration will lead to significant advancements in environmental protection and safety standards.

Mr. Emil Akander, Trade Commissioner and Head of Region at Business Sweden-Singapore, said Sweden is committed to become a pivotal partner to the Philippines in its pursuit to advance sustainability and accelerate the green transition of the mining industry.

“Through this collaboration, Sweden seeks to support the Philippines with a wide range of initiatives paving the way for significantly safer, productive and sustainable mining operations,” Mr. Akander said, as he provided an overview of the Sustainable Mining Collaboration in the Philippines, highlighting the mutual benefits and shared goals of the partnership.

Mr. Fries of the Sweden Embassy said this collaboration is just the beginning. “Together, Sweden and the Philippines can lead the way in demonstrating that sustainable mining is not only possible but essential for our shared future,” he said.