UN launches program to help curb plastic problem in Philippines, Asia

February 22, 2025 , 07:46 PM

By Gabriel Kim Leal

(February 22, 2025) – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has rolled out an initiative to improve plastic waste management in the Philippines and other parts of Asia.

Aside from the Philippines, the three-year program, which is backed by a $15 million or over P800 million grant, will also operate in Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.

“Tackling plastic waste isn’t just about cleaning up. It’s also about building a smarter development model. Across Asia, countries are combating the problem by embracing the circular economy. Through our zero waste and plastics initiatives, we are helping them craft policies, attract investments, and reduce the consumption of single-use plastics,” said Christophe Bahuet, the UNDP deputy regional director for Asia and the Pacific, in a media release.

According to the UNDP, Asia remains a huge culprit in plastic pollution, with 16 of the world’s 20 most polluted rivers found in the continent. In the Philippines, about 1.7 million metric tons of plastic waste are produced annually, according to the World Bank.

A study in 2021 found that the country accounts for 36.38% of global marine plastic debris. The Pasig River, which runs through Metro Manila, has been identified as a major source of ocean-bound plastic waste.

Last year, a petition was filed before the Supreme Court seeking to ban non-environmentally acceptable products, including single-use plastics.

“With this initiative, we are also empowering communities to scale up solutions that will effectively reduce plastic pollution and safeguard our planet,” added Bahuet.

The UNDP also teamed up with Coca-Cola Foundation to develop new business models for waste collection and recycling and integrate technology to improve efficiency.

“This approach not only helps address plastic waste more effectively but also contributes to long-term improvements in local communities and the broader environment,” said Coca-Cola Foundation president Carlos Pagoaga.

(PM)

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