By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Following the conclusion of the country’s midterm elections, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has directed the Environment Management Bureau (EMB) and its field offices across the archipelago to lead the collection, repurpose, reuse, and recycling of campaign materials.
Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga called for such efforts in a bid to alleviate the environmental impact of discarded political paraphernalia and promote communal responsibility in ensuring cleanliness and implementing sustainable practices across the country.
Loyzaga has also directed the DENR-EMB to work with the civic group Green Convergence and other non-government partners in reducing the ecological footprint of plastics, posters and tarpaulins, in particular.
“However, the upside of this initiative is profound. By repurposing campaign materials, we protect biodiversity in our lands and our oceans, while at the same time create economic opportunities and foster household uses that benefit our communities,” Secretary Loyzaga said.
Meanwhile, the Environment Chief also called on Filipinos to actively participate in the collection of campaign materials after the elections, ensuring that these items are sent to recyclers, which she cites as crucial in promoting a brighter and more sustainable future for all.
Her directive addresses the pressing issue of environmental pollution, particularly the alarming waste that chokes rivers and degrades natural landscapes. The materials discarded post-elections could lead to the waterways, leading to increased pollution, habitat destruction, and a decline in biodiversity.
She added that the regional offices must also report the quantity of recovered campaign materials and where these were sent for reused, repurposed or recycled.
DENR Assistant Secretary for Environment and EMB Director Jacqueline Caancan said that regional offices are working with local government units on the location of drop-off points, provision of information on proper recycling and upcycling techniques as well as data on the types of materials that can be repurposed, reused, and recycled.
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