A woman jumps from the Cambugahay Falls, a popular tourist spot, in Siquijor, a Philippine Island that does not allow the use of plastics. Photo: Geela Garcia

With 14.66 million tonnes of waste produced annually, the Philippines is Southeast Asia’s fourth-largest solid waste producer. The nation is also the world’s third-largest producer of marine plastic pollution.

Some 60 billion sachets are consumed annually, primarily by Filipinos buying fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), like packaged food, toiletries, beverages, medicines, cleaning products, and plastic goods. Up to 74 per cent of the plastic garbage generated in the Philippines that ends up in the ocean comes from waste that has already been collected, but dumped in waterways by haulers.

Smaller islands reliant on their waterways and tourism for their economy are particularly affected. Siquijor, the Philippines’ third-smallest province, has seen a surge in travellers thanks to its pristine beaches, breathtaking waterfalls, and turquoise blue waters.

However, as with every evolving tourist island, confronting the garbage problem brought on by development involves welcoming a sizeable public.

The Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, also known as Republic Act 9003, was passed into law as a solution to the Philippines’ waste management issue. But, local governments found it difficult to put into practice due to a lack of funds and facilities for disposing of waste.

Similarly in Siquijor, inadequate resources made it difficult to put trash separation policies into place – that was until local authorities realised the need for effective waste segregation. Now, the island is one of the most ardent supporters of banning single-use plastics and a major proponent of zero-waste efforts.

At Joel’s Siquijor, customers bring their own reusable containers for takeaway. Since a plastic ordinance was passed in 2018, eateries, restaurants, and vendors stopped using plastic bags. Photo: Geela Garcia

An island with no plastic?

In 2018, the local Siquijor government partnered with the non-governmental organisation Mother Earth Foundation (MEF) to strictly implement RA 9003. That same year, the province passed the “Plastic Ordinance” to regulate plastic use on the island of Siquijor.

Cle Bern Paglinawan, Siquijor Provincial Tourism Officer and author of the Plastic Ordinance in the Province of Siquijor, said initially there was resistance from some leaders and businesses.

“They were thinking about how the banning of single plastic could inconvenience them and their customers. But after one to two months, they saw the effect,” said Paglinawan.