MANILA, Philippines — A 36 percent decrease in marine litter has been recorded in Manila Bay, according to the EcoWaste Coalition’s 2024 Marine Litter Monitoring Survey Report.

The survey, conducted across 10 sites in Cavite, Metro Manila, and Bataan, also reported a 42 percent decrease in the total weight of collected waste.

Despite this progress, plastics continue to dominate marine debris, comprising 91 percent of the waste, with hard and film plastics as the most common culprits.

“These findings demonstrate the progress we’ve made, but they also highlight the urgent need for stricter waste management practices,” said Wes Lipana, Project Officer for the EcoWaste Coalition’s Enhancement of Marine Litter Management (EMLM) Project.

The report which was released on Wednesday also revealed its seasonal data which showed a 16 percent spike in litter counts during the wet season compared to the dry season, emphasizing the challenges posed by monsoons and heavy rainfall in waste management efforts.

During the forum, the EcoWaste Coalition urged several measures, including the enforcement of RA 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act) and RA 9275 (Clean Water Act) to hold violators accountable.

Expanding information campaigns at the barangay level to educate communities on waste segregation and the dangers of plastic pollution should also be prioritized by the government, it said.

Standardizing cleanup methods based on the Manual for Beach Litter Monitoring Program to enhance efficiency and data accuracy and developing a comprehensive marine litter management plan integrating government and community actions are also needed to progress, the group noted.

“We have made remarkable progress, but we can’t stop here,” Lipana said. 

“It is crucial that everyone — from government agencies to local communities — joins forces to implement the solutions outlined in this report. We need sustained commitment to tackle the marine litter problem and ensure the long-term health of Manila Bay.”

The Philippines generates approximately 2.7 million tons of plastic waste annually, with most ending up in landfills, rivers, and water systems, according to DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga. 

Around 20 percent of this waste reaches the oceans, contributing to the 61,000 metric tons of solid waste produced daily. Loyzaga likewise noted the significant impact of plastic waste from packaging and consumer products, particularly during rainy seasons when it exacerbates flooding.