Pinoys urged to reduce plastic use

MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos should reduce plastic use as the country remains a top contributor to ocean plastic pollution, producing at least 2.7 million metric tons of plastic waste annually, an environmental group said yesterday.

“On this World Environment Day, we urge every Filipino to take action: reduce plastic use, participate in cleanup drives and support sustainable practices,” said Makakalikasan-Nature Party Philippines national spokesperson Geraldine Lanusa Perez.

President Marcos’ May 26 signing of the Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System Law is important as the measure integrates environmental values into national accounting systems, she noted.

The Philippines has demonstrated its commitment to global climate action by submitting its climate adaptation plan to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, she said.

Reports of deforestation, pollution and biodiversity loss threaten the country’s natural resources, she added.

“As we look ahead to President Marcos Jr.’s upcoming State of the Nation Address, we call for urgent and decisive actions to be at the center of his address,” Perez said.

Comprehensive natural resource management strategies are necessary to address these crises, she maintained.