Following the onslaught of Typhoon Karding (international name Noru) while marking the International Coastal Cleanup Day and its Second Plastic Neutrality Anniversary, Nestlé Philippines has teamed up with GMA Network in cleaning up the shore of Las Piñas Parañaque Critical Habitat & Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA).
A total 1,307 kilograms (kg) of wastes was retrieved by 207 volunteer-employees of both organizations.
Plastic wastes contribute a lot to global pollution, pose a big threat to the health of the oceans that sustain humanity, and endanger the lives of marine species and habitats, as well as the livelihood of the people.
Based on a market study of the World Bank, the Philippines is among the top contributors to global pollution, generating 2.7 million tons of plastic waste annually, with estimated 20 percent ending up in bodies of water and even coastal areas.
Data from the United Nations Environment Regional Office’s 2019 report showed that every Filipino uses or produces 10 kg of plastic waste a year.
Nestlé Philippines said it has been conducting such an activity since 2020 as part of its commitment to sustainability.
“We have already retrieved 52 million kilos of plastics over the last two years,” Nestlé Philippines Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Kais Marzouki told reporters on the sidelines of the coastal cleanup drive last September 30.
Nationwide in scope, the company conducted the closed loop cleanup simultaneously with same activities it spearheaded in other parts of the country in collaboration with local communities.
“The Philippines has the fifth longest coastline in the world and it contributes to our economy, it protects us from calamities and crisis, provides us opportunities for economic well-being, and it’s a place for us to enjoy and feel protected also,” said Climate Change Commission Secretary Robert E.A. Borje.
Similar initiatives were held in Umalag River in Cagayan de Oro, wherein 1,430 kg of liters were collected; Latag River in Lipa, Batangas, with 547 kg of wastes retrieved; and Taal Lake in Tanauan, Batangas.
All of the retrieved wastes were then delivered to eco-friendly endpoints by segregating and turning them over to the local government units and proper waste management facilities so they will not end up as marine litters again.
“We’re very proud of this achievement, and we’ll continue [to do this],” Marzouki said, while expressing his gratitude for Nestle’s partnership with GMA. “This partnership makes all the difference because every step counts, but alone we cannot do it all the way. We have to be together.”
Nestlé Philippines and GMA Network have joined forces as Kapuso at Kasambuhay ng Kalikasan to address the plastics crisis in the country.
Together, they aim to inform consumers about pressing environmental challenges, especially the plastic waste problem in the country; educate the public about their responsibility in caring for and preserving the planet via reducing, reusing, and recycling plastics; and encourage them to become more involved in the eco-advocacy.
The broadcasting network’s reach and influence, through the artists of the Sparkle GMA Artist Center (SPARKLE), help engage more people and forge a powerful movement.
“I’m very happy because we have social [and environment-]conscious artists,” SPARKLE Assistant Vice President Joy Marcelo said of their volunteer-talents who graced the event, namely, Rabiya Mateo, Rain Matienzo, Vanessa Peña and Yasser Marta. “We’re glad that Nestlé partnered with us for this.”