DON’T FORGET THE NATIONAL PLASTIC ACTION PARTNERSHIP

DON’T FORGET THE NATIONAL PLASTIC ACTION PARTNERSHIP As the winds of change sweep through the halls of government, with newly appointed cabinet secretaries stepping in and others stepping down, there is always a danger that programs and policies—no matter how well-intentioned or well-crafted—might be left behind. Priorities shift, directions change, and sometimes, progress is quietly undone not by intention, but by omission. That is why I’m sounding this appeal—raising my voice to urge our newly appointed Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Rafael Lotilla, to make sure that one critically important initiative does not fall by the wayside: the National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP). The NPAP is not just another acronym. It’s a crucial national initiative, spearheaded by the DENR, that seeks to reverse the tide of plastic pollution in the Philippines. Through this partnership, government, industry, civil society, and development partners work together to drive the country toward a circular economy—where waste is minimized, and resources are kept in use for as long as possible. At the heart of this push is the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022. This landmark law holds producers accountable for the plastic waste they generate. It sets ambitious but necessary targets: a 20% plastic recovery and diversion rate by 2023, and 40% by 2024. These aren’t just numbers—they’re lifelines in our battle against pollution. I don’t know about you, but I’ve always had the sense that plastic pollution didn’t receive the urgent and sustained attention it deserved under former DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga. And while many environmental issues compete for our focus, this one is quite literally in the air we breathe. Microplastic pollution is no longer an abstract concern; it is a growing health and environmental crisis. Studies have detected microplastics in everything from marine life to market-bought mussels, from road dust to the very air of Metro Manila. These particles can carry dangerous bacteria, viruses, and toxins. In other words, what we’re breathing, eating, and drinking may already be compromised. Worse, the Philippines is drowning in plastic. We produce 2.3 to 2.7 million metric tons of plastic waste each year, and only 28% is recycled. The rest clogs our waterways, chokes our seas, and breaks down into the microplastics now infiltrating our environment and bodies. It’s no surprise that we are considered one of the top contributors to marine plastic pollution globally. This is why we cannot afford to lose momentum. The NPAP is one of the few well-structured, multi-sectoral efforts that can help us break free from the harmful "take-make-waste" model and shift toward sustainability. But like any partnership, it needs champions—leaders who will see it through, even amid transitions in power. So, Secretary Lotilla, the ball is in your court. I hope you will recognize the gravity of this issue and lead with the urgency it demands. Uphold our commitments to the NPAP. Enforce the EPR Act. Engage with communities, industries, and scientists. And above all, don’t forget that the fight against plastic pollution isn’t just about waste—it’s about protecting public health, preserving biodiversity, and securing a livable future for all Filipinos. The work has already begun. Now, it’s up to you to ensure it continues. Would you like to know more about how you can contribute to the solution? Let’s keep this conversation going. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 07-10-2025