MEMORANDUM

FOR : THE UNDERSECRETARY

Finance, Information Systems, and Climate Change
DENR Permanent Representative to the National Task Force for the
West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS)

FROM : The Director

Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau

SUBJECT : REQUEST FOR COMMENTS ON THE PROPOSED

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) ON
COOPERATION OF MARINE LITTER PREVENTION AND
CONTROL BETWEEN THE DENR AND MINISTRY OF ECOLOGY
AND ENVIRONMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA

This refers to the Bureau’s position paper with regards to the

abovementioned subject matter.
The Philippines is one of the world’s worst offenders on marine plastic
pollution, with 0.28 – 0.75 million tonnes per year of plastic entering to oceans from
coastal areas in Manila Bay1. The country uses almost 60 billion sachets a year
(GAIA, March 2020). Economic growth, combined with enhanced production and
consumption, is leading to higher waste generation in Philippines.
One of the studies showed that “plastic market in Philippines is above
1283.71 million US$ (2016), with a compounded annual growth rate of 6.11%
(forecast for period 2018-2023). Plastic used for packaging is about 48% (2017),
with packaging waste the major contributor to marine litter & plastic pollution. 
Collection of solid wastes is mostly being managed by the local government unit
(LGU). In many areas of the country, local governments lack access to waste
collection services and recycling facilities. Where they are available, inefficiencies in
collection, transportation, treatment and disposal systems affect wastewater and
drainage systems further, leading to marine litter and plastic pollution”. 2

1
Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA). (2018). State of Oceans and
Coasts – THE PHILIPPINES. http://pemsea.org/sites/default/files/NSOC_Philippines_0.pdf
2
statista.com. Rubber and plastic products manufacturing value added in the Philippines 2009-2018. (18 June
2019). https://www.statista.com/statistics/758425/rubber-and-plastic-products-manufacturing-valueadded-
philippines/

College, 4031, Laguna, Philippines

Tel Nos: (6349)5363628; 5362229; 5362269 Fax No. (6349)5362850
E-mail: erdb@denr.gov.ph
 Consequently, the increasing marine litter without adequate means of
disposal have negative impacts on revenue-generating nature-based tourism, as well
as on the fishing industry. Fishermen have commented that plastics are smothering
coral reefs, resulting in lower fish yields and ecosystem-wide impacts.
Considering the afore stated premises, this Bureau supports the promulgation
of this Memorandum of Understanding with Ecology and Environment of the People’s
Republic of China, with the view of strengthening the cooperation on marine litter
prevention and control on the basis of closer ties among scientific and technological
institutions.
Efforts must be made to develop integrated and comprehensive policies and
strategies for plastic waste management. The successful candidature of the
Philippines and China strengthens the principles of multilateralism, inclusivity as well
as international cooperation among the said countries.
For your consideration.

MARIA LOURDES G. FERRER, CESO III

College, 4031, Laguna, Philippines

Tel Nos: (6349)5363628; 5362229; 5362269 Fax No. (6349)5362850
E-mail: erdb@denr.gov.ph