ON Monday, April 22, Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga made an urgent call to action regarding the deadly threat of plastic pollution in the country—stating the Philippines is literally swimming in plastics. 

According to the DENR head, every year, the country produces around 2.7 million tons of plastic waste that mostly ends up in landfills, dump, rivers, and on our water supply. Meanwhile, about 20 percent of the waste ends up in the ocean. 

She also added on how microplastics had been found in raindrops, fish caught at sea, water bottles and the air that people breathe. 

Microplastics are plastic debris broken down into pieces smaller than five millimeters. 

The country loses around $890 million annually just by throwing away the waste instead of recycling it. 

“It is our choice to act today or let our plastic waste determine our tomorrow,” said Loyzaga. 

With this year’s Earth Day–Loyzaga stated that the celebration is intended to raise awareness on how plastics pose a threat when it comes to human health, climate, and ecosystem. 

To address the issue, the government passed the Extended Producer Responsibility Act in 2022.  This is to shift the burden of collecting used plastic from local governments to both producers and manufacturers. 

While had taken the effort to pass the act, Loyzaga argued that the fight against plastic pollution should require a whole-of-society approach. 

“The government and the corporations cannot do it alone. Transformation towards a plastic-free world begins at home,” she said. 

Loyzaga also added that sustainable and affordable alternatives must be found along with changes in production and consumption. 

“Together, we can win this battle of planet versus plastics. Every step we take counts, and we will need to work as one.” 

The “plastics” problem has exceeded generations. And it would all to well if under the Gen Z or Gen A, they do stop.