Pasig City: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) announced the launch of the National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP) Philippines to tackle the pressing issue of plastic waste in the country. Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga emphasized the critical need for collective efforts to address the problem, highlighting the Philippines’ significant contribution to marine plastic pollution due to the 2.7 million metric tons of plastic waste generated annually.

According to Philippines News Agency, the NPAP Philippines initiative is a collaboration led by the DENR and supported by the World Economic Forum’s Global Plastic Action Partnership, along with partners such as the UK Government, the Government of Canada, and the Coca-Cola Foundation. The platform aims to unite leaders from various sectors, including government, business, development organizations, and civil society, to combat plastic pollution and shift towards a circular economy.

DENR data reveals that the Philippines is currently facing a waste crisis, with 61,000 metric tons of waste produced daily, 12 to 24 percent of which is plastic. Much of this waste ends up in landfills, dumpsites, and the environment, intensifying climate and disaster risks like flooding. Loyzaga stated that the NPAP aligns with the nation’s development priorities, particularly in achieving environmental integrity, economic resilience, and inclusive growth.

The DENR is also working on a National Plastics Action Roadmap, expected to be completed by August, which will include a baseline assessment of the plastic situation, investment requirements, and a financing strategy featuring blended finance incentives and innovative financing tools.

A critical component of the NPAP is enforcing the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022, which mandates producers to manage their plastic waste. The law sets recovery and diversion targets of at least 20 percent by 2023 and 40 percent by 2024. DENR Undersecretary Jonas Leones stated that the NPAP will evaluate EPR implementation and enhance compliance, identifying gaps in the law’s execution to meet its objectives.

As of May 2024, data from the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau indicates that 917 companies have registered under the EPR program. Leones mentioned that the DENR will issue notices of violation to non-compliant companies, and through the NPAP, they aim to establish policies that could potentially revoke business permits for non-compliance.

Furthermore, the DENR is collaborating with the Department of Finance and the Department of Trade and Industry to develop incentives for compliant companies, with the measure expected to be finalized in June.