BUILT from the testimonies of Filipinos nationwide, the #BawalPlastikan Map was launched to showcase policies, initiatives, and best practices from local governments, private entities, and individuals committed to reducing the use of single-use plastics (SUPs).
The project was made possible through a partnership between The Climate Reality Project Philippines and Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship (PBEST), highlighting the power of collaboration in addressing environmental challenges.
“The #BawalPlastikan Map serves as a testament to the power of collective action and innovative solutions in addressing the plastic crisis. As environmental stewards, PBEST is proud to support this initiative, which aligns with our advocacy for a circular economy that promotes sustainability, reduces waste, and empowers communities to drive impactful environmental change,” said Joey Perfecto, secretary-general of the Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship.
The initiative also forms part of Climate Reality Philippines’ Plastic-Free Reality campaign, which aims to raise awareness about the escalating plastic crisis and its overlooked connection to climate change.
“Many Filipinos see plastics primarily as a pollution issue, but its impact on climate change is just as urgent,” said Aimee Oliveros, deputy branchanager of Climate Reality Philippines. “Beyond mapping out existing policies against plastics, #BawalPlastikan aims to provide concrete proof that living without SUPs is possible in the Philippines,” she added.
The #BawalPlastikan map is now live!
Legislative efforts and the push for an SUP ban
The #BawalPlastikan Map serves not only as a valuable resource for crafting evidence-based policies but also as a tool for advocates pushing for a nationwide ban on SUPs. By showcasing successful initiatives across the country, the map strengthens calls for systemic solutions to the plastic crisis.
In his 2023 State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Bongbong Marcos called for a tax on single-use plastics and urged Congress to back the initiative.
In 2022, the House passed House Bill No. 4102, also known as the Single-Use Plastic Bags Tax Act, on its third reading. The bill was forwarded to the Senate in November 2022, where it underwent its first reading and currently remains pending.
Meanwhile, two Senate Bills addressing the plastic crisis are also under committee review. Both propose an excise tax per kilogram of plastic produced or imported.
While these legislative efforts are indeed a welcome step in the right direction, Climate Reality Philippines emphasizes that taxation alone may not effectively curb plastic consumption.
“Taxing plastics only puts the financial burden on the common Filipinos who have no choice but to purchase SUPs because of how embedded these products are in their lives,” explained Oliveros
The organization advocates for a more stringent and equitable solution: a nationwide ban on single-use plastics. Banning SUPs ensures that Filipinos will have to utilize more sustainable products, effectively removing wasteful options from their reach. This also forces companies to innovate and transition to environmentally friendly alternatives, reducing overall SUP production.
“Our job is not done— the #BawalPlastikan Map is only step one. Our ultimate goal is for the whole Philippines to commit to a ban against plastic products, particularly single-use plastics,” said Oliveros.
“A Plastic-Free Reality is possible. What now seems like random scattered points of hope can grow into a national movement putting a stop to plastic use. The map shows us our way to a plastic-free country is clear— we only need to commit to the journey,” added Oliveros.
How you can participate
Climate Reality Philippines and PBEST invite everyone to share their stories and contribute to the map.
You can participate by answering the survey at http://bit.ly/bawal_plastikan, where you can upload photos, videos, and documents to showcase your experiences or local initiatives combating plastic use.
By joining, you’ll be part of a growing movement working toward a plastic-free future.
KRISTINE GALANG
Communications Lead
The Climate Reality Project Philippines
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