Epson Philippines, in partnership with WWF-Philippines, has successfully concluded the Increasing Capacities for Local Environmental Action (ICLEAN) Project in Monreal, a coastal town on Ticao Island. The initiative addressed critical waste management issues while helping safeguard the region’s marine ecosystems, which are vital to the community’s livelihood and food security.
Situated within the Ticao-Burias Pass Protected Seascape (TBPPS)—a nationally recognized marine sanctuary—Monreal plays a crucial role in conserving one of the Philippines’ richest biodiversity hubs. Home to roughly 7,500 households across 11 barangays, the town generates over 6,000 kilograms of waste daily, 42% of which is plastic. The lack of adequate waste management infrastructure has led to significant environmental threats, particularly to the surrounding marine ecosystem.
Tackling Urgent Waste Management Issues
Before the project’s implementation, Monreal’s residual containment facility was ill-equipped to manage the increasing waste volume. Overflowing plastic waste—ranging from laminated sachets and plastic bags to drinking straws—often ended up in the ocean, posing a serious threat to marine life and public health.
Through the ICLEAN Project, Epson and WWF-Philippines introduced a multi-faceted strategy that included infrastructure improvements, technological interventions, and extensive training. As a result, the facility’s waste storage capacity increased by 49.77%, leading to cleaner communities and improved health outcomes.
“Engineered for Good is more than just a slogan—it’s our way of making a tangible difference,” said Masako Kusama, President and Director of Epson Philippines. “By partnering directly with communities like Monreal, we help equip people with the tools and knowledge needed to build a more secure and sustainable future.”
Technology as a Catalyst for Change
One of the key components of the program was the introduction of a plastic shredder, which has significantly boosted Monreal’s ability to process plastic waste. The shredded materials are now being used in the community’s ongoing eco-brick initiative, which repurposes 1.5-liter PET bottles as building blocks for local construction—turning waste into a valuable resource.
In addition to providing equipment, the project delivered extensive training to local government officials, barangay leaders, and waste collectors. Topics included solid waste management laws, best practices for waste segregation, and strategies to minimize plastic waste at the source—ensuring that the town can maintain and build upon these improvements long after the program ends.
Educating the Next Generation
Understanding that long-term sustainability begins with awareness, the project also focused on environmental education. Learning sessions were conducted across elementary and high schools, reaching hundreds of students. These sessions emphasized the impact of plastic pollution and the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling.
“Sustainability must be rooted in people’s everyday lives,” said Jun Narvadez, Jr., Program Manager of WWF-Philippines’ Donsol Integrated Conservation Program. “Through this partnership, we’re enabling communities to take ownership of environmental protection and lead local change.”
Securing Marine Resources and Livelihoods
For the people of Monreal, protecting the ocean is not just an ecological responsibility—it’s essential to their survival. As part of the TBPPS, the town relies heavily on the surrounding waters for fishing and income. However, plastic pollution threatens marine habitats and the long-term availability of marine resources.
Thanks to improved waste management practices introduced through ICLEAN, less plastic waste is entering the sea, contributing to healthier ecosystems and more sustainable fisheries. This ensures that coastal communities can continue to thrive, preserving both environmental and economic well-being for future generations.
Scaling Up Impact
Following the program’s success in Monreal, Epson and WWF-Philippines are exploring opportunities to replicate the initiative in other TBPPS municipalities. The long-term vision is to build a connected network of eco-conscious communities united in protecting their shared marine environment and boosting local resilience.
“Our mission is clear: to be a reliable partner in sustainability—supporting communities, enhancing livelihoods, and driving impactful solutions for a better future,” Kusama added.
For more information about the ICLEAN Project and other Epson Philippines initiatives, visit www.epson.com.ph.
