Epson Philippines, in collaboration with WWF-Philippines, has successfully concluded the Increasing Capacities for Local Environmental Action (ICLEAN) Project in Monreal, Ticao Island, Masbate. This joint initiative addresses the municipality’s urgent waste management issues while protecting the marine ecosystems that are essential to the community’s livelihood. Monreal is one of 18 coastal towns that form part of the Ticao-Burias Pass Protected Seascape (TBPPS), a nationally recognized marine sanctuary known for its rich biodiversity. With approximately 7,500 households across 11 barangays, Monreal generates more than 6,000 kilograms of waste daily, 42% of which is plastic. These numbers highlight a critical need for effective and sustainable waste management systems.
Addressing Critical Environmental Challenges
Before the ICLEAN Project began, Monreal’s residual containment facility lacked sufficient capacity to store and manage the rising volume of waste. This led to an overflow of unmanaged waste, much of it recyclable, including items like plastic straws, sachets, and bags. The waste posed a significant threat to the nearby marine ecosystem, contributing to ocean pollution and environmental degradation. In response, the ICLEAN Project introduced a combination of infrastructure development, technology integration, and community education. As a result, Monreal’s waste storage capacity improved by 49.77%, significantly reducing overflow and contributing to cleaner public spaces and healthier living conditions. “‘Engineered for Good’ is a standard we live by,” said Masako Kusama, President and Director of Epson Philippines. “By working directly with communities like Monreal, we help people gain the resources and skills they need to shape a more secure future while protecting the marine resources their livelihoods depend on.”
Technological Solutions for Local Action
A central element of the ICLEAN Project was the donation of a plastic shredder to the local government of Monreal. This technology expanded the town’s capacity to process plastic waste and supported the existing eco-brick initiative. In this program, shredded plastic is packed into 1.5-liter PET bottles to create durable building materials for local infrastructure. The shredder made it possible for Monreal to maximize the value of plastic waste, transforming it into a resource rather than a pollutant. The program also included targeted training for local officials and waste collectors. These sessions covered vital topics such as solid waste management laws, waste segregation techniques, and methods to reduce plastic waste at the source. By equipping local personnel with practical skills, the project aims to sustain improvements in waste management long after the project’s formal end.
Education for Long-Term Change
Understanding that lasting change requires early education, the ICLEAN Project extended its efforts to Monreal’s schools. Environmental learning sessions were conducted in elementary and high schools, engaging hundreds of students. These sessions focused on the impacts of plastic pollution and taught the importance of the 3Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle. “Sustainability must connect directly to people’s lives,” said Jun Narvadez, Jr., Donsol Integrated Conservation Program Manager of WWF-Philippines. “Through this partnership, we’re helping people see that they can drive meaningful change. The most effective solutions are the ones that start with people and grow through their leadership.” By targeting the youth, the program aims to cultivate a new generation of sustainability advocates who can lead future environmental initiatives in their communities.
Protecting a Vital Marine Ecosystem
For Monreal’s residents, environmental conservation is directly tied to economic survival. The TBPPS area provides vital fishing grounds and supports marine biodiversity critical to local livelihoods. However, increasing levels of plastic pollution threaten this balance by damaging fish habitats and contaminating water sources. The ICLEAN Project’s improved waste management practices play a critical role in mitigating these threats. By preventing plastic waste from entering the sea, the program helps preserve vital breeding grounds and supports the health of the marine ecosystem. In doing so, it strengthens food security and ensures long-term sustainability for fishing communities.
Looking Ahead
Following the success in Monreal, Epson Philippines and WWF-Philippines plan to expand the ICLEAN Project to other coastal communities around the TBPPS. The objective is to build a regional network of municipalities working together to protect their shared marine environment and improve resilience against ecological threats. “Our commitment is clear: to be responsible partners in sustainability—supporting communities, enabling livelihoods, and advancing solutions that create lasting, positive change,” Kusama added. To learn more about Epson Philippines’ environmental programs and initiatives, visit www.epson.com.ph.
