Empowering Sustainable Communities: Epson and WWF-Philippines Drive Waste Management in Ticao Island

Epson Philippines and WWF-Philippines lead the ICLEAN Project in Monreal, Ticao Island, boosting local waste management systems, marine conservation, and youth education for sustainable living.

Epson Philippines, in strategic partnership with WWF-Philippines, has successfully completed the Increasing Capacities for Local Environmental Action (ICLEAN) Project in Monreal, located on Ticao Island in Masbate. The initiative marks a significant milestone in addressing critical waste management issues while enhancing marine conservation efforts for the coastal community. By focusing on practical, community-based solutions, the program reinforces both environmental protection and the long-term sustainability of local livelihoods.

Monreal, a municipality situated within the Ticao-Burias Pass Protected Seascape (TBPPS), is home to around 7,500 households across 11 barangays. This nationally recognized marine sanctuary boasts rich biodiversity and serves as a vital fishing ground for coastal communities. However, Monreal has long struggled with daily waste generation exceeding 6,000 kilograms—42% of which is plastic. These challenges have led to pollution that directly threatens the surrounding marine ecosystem and the community’s primary source of income: fishing.

Before the ICLEAN Project’s implementation, Monreal's residual containment facility had insufficient capacity to manage increasing waste volumes. As a result, much of the recyclable waste—like plastic bags, sachets, and drinking straws—often ended up in the sea. This not only posed environmental hazards but also jeopardized public health and food security. To counter this, the project delivered a holistic response that combined infrastructure upgrades, technological interventions, and capacity-building programs.

Through the ICLEAN Project, Monreal saw a 49.77% increase in waste storage capacity, which helped mitigate unmanaged waste, led to cleaner streets, and significantly improved public health. A key technological boost came from the provision of a plastic shredder to the local government, greatly enhancing plastic processing capacity and supporting the community’s ongoing eco-brick initiative. By filling 1.5-liter PET bottles with shredded plastic waste, these eco-bricks serve as sustainable construction materials, turning environmental problems into practical solutions.

Epson Philippines President and Director, Masako Kusama, emphasized the company’s philosophy of being “Engineered for Good,” stating that by working closely with communities like Monreal, Epson enables people to access tools and knowledge that promote both environmental stewardship and economic resilience. The company’s commitment extended beyond technology to education and training, offering sessions on solid waste management laws, segregation techniques, and strategies to reduce plastic waste at the source. These trainings targeted local officials and waste collectors, ensuring long-term effectiveness in local waste systems.

Recognizing the importance of youth engagement, the program also introduced environmental learning sessions in elementary and high schools across Monreal. These sessions educated hundreds of students on the dangers of plastic pollution and the value of reducing, reusing, and recycling. According to Jun Narvadez, Jr., Donsol Integrated Conservation Program Manager of WWF-Philippines, sustainable change must be people-driven. By cultivating eco-conscious young citizens, the project has laid a foundation for future community leaders committed to sustainability.

For Monreal, the health of marine ecosystems is not just an ecological priority—it is a matter of economic survival. The waters within the TBPPS are essential for fishing and serve as the community’s lifeblood. However, unchecked plastic pollution threatens these ecosystems, disrupting marine habitats and endangering food security. Through the ICLEAN Project’s improved waste management systems, plastic waste is being prevented from reaching the ocean, protecting vital breeding grounds and enabling healthier marine environments to thrive.

Following the project’s success in Monreal, Epson and WWF-Philippines aim to replicate and scale the initiative across other municipalities within the TBPPS. The long-term goal is to create an interconnected network of environmentally responsible communities committed to preserving marine resources and building sustainable futures.

“Our commitment is clear: to be responsible partners in sustainability—supporting communities, enabling livelihoods, and advancing solutions that create lasting, positive change,” Kusama added.

To learn more about Epson Philippines' sustainability initiatives and environmental partnerships, visit www.epson.com.ph.