Siquijor LGUs seek ‘real solutions’ as plastic waste piles up

Composite image from INQUIRER files MANILA, Philippines — Local governments in Siquijor are seeking more support to deal with mounting plastic waste as tourism grows and existing waste recovery facilities struggle to accommodate what is being collected on the island. Lhermie P. Areja, municipal environment and natural resources officer of the municipality of Siquijor, said the local government had been segregating and collecting plastic packaging but was running out of space to store it. “Ang dami na pong basura na na-generate dito sa Siquijor, particularly single use plastic bottles coming from Coca-Cola, Nature Spring and other companies,” Areja said. Article continues after this advertisement (We already have a lot of waste being generated here in Siquijor, particularly single-use plastic bottles from Coca-Cola, Nature Spring and other companies.) “We have been segregating and collecting their plastics packaging, but now we have nowhere to put them — our recovery facilities have already filled up. Paano po ba iyon makukuha kasi punong-puno na talaga ang LGU. What are we supposed to do, where should we put them?” (How are these going to be collected when the LGU is already completely full?) Areja raised the issue during the “Taking Back Paradise” forum organized by Oceana on Sept. 8, where local officials, community members, environmental groups and other stakeholders discussed possible ways to address the island’s waste problem. Plastic waste, tourism grow A recent Waste Assessment and Brand Audit (WABA) conducted by the Mother Earth Foundation (MEF), Oceana and Break Free from Plastic (BFFP) found that more than 70% of Siquijor’s waste is biodegradable and can be addressed through composting and biodigesters. Article continues after this advertisement A portion, however, consists of single-use plastic packaging from major corporations. Citing the Extended Producer Responsibility Act (Republic Act No. 11898), which requires covered enterprises to recover plastic packaging they introduce into the market, forum participants called on these companies to help collect and divert plastic waste from the island. Article continues after this advertisement READ: New guide helps islands cut waste, build resilience Froilan Grate, executive director of the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), said local governments were already implementing segregation and collection programs but faced limits in dealing with the volume of residual plastic waste. “To their credit, Siquijor’s local officials have been diligently implementing waste segregation programs at the grassroots level — educating communities, setting up materials recovery facilities, and pushing for discipline at the barangay level,” he said. READ: Siquijor aims to become 1st province to regulate plastic use “Yet despite these earnest efforts, the sheer volume of single-use plastics flooding the island far exceeds their capacity to deal with and manage them responsibly. Even with segregation in place, the residual plastic waste continues to pile up — a stark testament that no amount of local discipline can fully solve a crisis created by continuing plastics use and production,” he added. Group pushes reuse, refill Participants instead recommended expanding reuse and refill systems, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sector, drawing from Quezon City’s experience with similar programs. They also cautioned local officials against turning to thermal waste-to-energy (WTE) incinerators as a solution to the island’s plastic waste problem. Local parish representatives, civil society groups and academic experts who joined the forum raised concerns about the facilities’ operating costs and the potential release of toxic emissions and ash that could harm Siquijor’s environment and, in turn, its tourism appeal. READ: How Philippine cities, provinces are building local plastic solutions Areja said the local government was willing to work with reuse systems. “With this, our LGU, especially the Office of Environment and Natural Resources, is committed to work with reuse systems,” Areja said. “Because we saw this as one of the solutions to prevent the further increase in plastic bottles.” The call comes as Siquijor’s tourism industry continues to grow. Krisma Rodriguez, Negros Island regional director of the Department of Tourism, said the island recorded a 17% increase in tourist arrivals, from 241,529 in 2024 to 282,269 in 2025. “A growing tourism economy naturally increases consumption and waste generation. Unless this growth is managed carefully, the very resources that attract visitors can gradually become the casualties of our own success,” Rodriguez said. Jorge Emmanuel, a scientist who has evaluated dozens of WTE incinerators, said such facilities could pose health and environmental risks. “By releasing toxic emissions that will impact the health of communities and tourists, WTE incineration will destroy Siquijor’s reputation as an island of healing and traditional healers. The pollution associated with WTE will also persist in the environment and affect generations yet unborn.” READ: Clearing the air: Ordinary citizens uncover toxic truths near waste incinerators Von Hernandez, vice president of Oceana, said the island’s response should focus on reducing single-use plastics rather than relying on disposal after the waste is generated. “Tourists come here for the beaches and clear waters, not floating sachets and plastic trash. Investing in reuse and refill infrastructure is the surest way to safeguard the beauty of the island, protect local livelihoods, and keep Siquijor competitive as a premier destination,” Hernandez said. Hernandez also urged the island to institutionalize reuse and refill systems as part of its response to the growing waste problem. Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. The “Taking Back Paradise” forum was organized by Oceana with the Mother Earth Foundation and Break Free from Plastic, with support from the Department of Tourism and GAIA. /dm