As the May 2025 elections approach, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) are urging political candidates and their supporters to avoid attaching campaign materials to trees. Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga emphasized that such practices can harm trees and contribute to environmental degradation. This spurred the DENR to call for the use of biodegradable or recyclable materials, in order to minimize waste and protect the country's natural resources during election season.
A Growing Waste Problem
The Philippines generates about 61,000 metric tons of waste daily, with plastics taking up a significant portion of the toll. During the election period, this problem intensifies as non-biodegradable materials like posters, flyers, and tarpaulins litter the streets. These materials often end up in landfills and our surroundings, causing major flooding and contributing to climate risks. With this in mind, the DENR continues to advocate for proper waste disposal and urges politicians to be responsible with campaign materials in order to prevent further harm to the environment.
The DENR has also launched the National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP) to address the growing issue of plastic waste in the country. This initiative involves a collaborative effort between government agencies, businesses, and civil society. A significant part of this initiative is the enforcement of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act, which holds companies accountable for their plastic waste. As of May 2024, over 900 companies have joined the EPR program, and the DENR is working to ensure compliance with regulations to reduce plastic waste.
Building a Sustainable Future for Elections
The DENR is working alongside other government agencies to encourage the use of biodegradable and recyclable materials in the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). By shifting to eco-friendly campaign materials, the Philippines can significantly reduce its environmental footprint during the elections, which helps preserve natural resources and promote sustainable practices. This effort is part of a broader push to clean up the environment and reduce plastic pollution.
The challenge ahead is clear: if the Philippines is to avoid repeating the environmental mistakes of past elections, every party involved must act with responsibility and foresight. Together, we must choose progress that nurtures, not harms, our environment. Because it is only through collective action that we can protect our planet for future generations.
