The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is set to issue an order on a nation-wide ban of single-use plastics. Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu announced the intent this December 5 during a Stratbase forum in Taguig City.
“We [DENR] are about to complete department order on [banning] use of plastic. I think within the next two weeks siguro [probably],” Cimatu told reporters. This move is based on the Philippines ranking as the third-highest source of ocean plastic pollution with an “estimated 2.7 million metric tons of plastic waste.”
The order will also tackle methods of proper waste disposal and recycling. Climatu added that, based on a 2019 report from the Department of the Interior and Local Government, 140 in 178 local government units in Metro Manila, Region III, and Region IV-A already have an approved solid waste management plan.
Read More: wheninmanila.com