Turning the Tide: A Journey of Community, Responsibility, and Change in Baseco

I want to take you on a journey—a journey to a place where hope and action meet. Baseco, at the heart of Manila’s bustling port area, is one such community—a place with a story as rich and complex as the challenges.

Baseco, located at the mouth of the Pasig River, once a lifeline for trade and transport, now reflects both the vitality and the struggles of the communities that line its banks.

When I visited Baseco a few days ago to prepare for the International Coastal Cleanup, I felt the weight of its struggles. The streets told stories of hardship, but what I found there wasn’t despair—it was resilience.

According to Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga, the Philippines generates at least 61,000 metric tons of waste daily, and about 24 percent of that is plastic. That means the country produces 163 million plastic sachets, 48 million shopping bags, and 45 million thin-film bags every single day. Can you imagine that? This mountain of plastic waste doesn’t just choke our oceans—it also takes a toll on our economy.

Studies show that 35 percent of the Philippines’ plastic waste ends up in oceans or open environments, placing the country among the top contributors to global ocean plastic pollution. Shockingly, only 28 percent of this plastic is recycled, resulting in an annual loss of an estimated $890 million in material value.

But here's the thing: plastic isn’t the real enemy. Mismanagement is. The lack of proper systems, the gaps in education, and the neglect of marginalized communities—these are the real issues. Our cleanup in Baseco isn’t just about picking up trash for a day. It’s a symbol of the deeper work we need to do. We’re advocating for a circular economy, where plastic is viewed as a resource, not as waste. And through the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law, we’re holding producers accountable for the waste they create while supporting communities like Baseco to be part of the solution.

As the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS) celebrates its 10th anniversary and commemorates the 1st year of compliance with the EPR Law, we reflect on the progress we’ve made in fostering partnerships, empowering communities, and advancing sustainable waste management solutions that aim to reduce plastic pollution and promote a circular economy.

As I walked through the community, what truly stood out were the children. Despite the challenges that surrounded them, they played with joy and boundless energy. These children represent the future of Baseco—a future filled with potential. Their laughter is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, but also a call to action. They are the ones who will inherit the world we are shaping today. It is our responsibility to ensure that the environment they grow up in is clean, healthy, and full of opportunity. Every step we take toward sustainability is an investment in their future—a future where they can thrive, not just survive.

There’s a phrase we often use in environmental work: “turning the tide.” In Baseco, that phrase is more than just a metaphor. Every day, the tide brings in waste from the Pasig River, reminding us of the huge challenge we face. But every day, the people of Baseco push back, cleaning up that waste, proving that change is possible.

The EPR law we’re implementing through PARMS is all about making producers responsible for their plastic waste, so it doesn’t end up in places like Baseco Beach. But it’s more than just a law—it’s about empowering communities to take control of their environment. Local organizations like Kabalikat and UPA are already leading the way in Baseco, showing us how waste management and environmental education can transform a community.

But here’s the thing: they can’t do it alone.

That’s where partnerships like ours come in. We’re not just showing up in Baseco for one day to clean up the beach. We’re here to support their ongoing efforts, to provide resources, and to work alongside them in building a cleaner, healthier community. Because at the end of the day, lasting change comes from working together.

So, what’s next?

This is where you come in. The story of Baseco isn’t just about this one community—it’s about all of us. It’s about understanding that the fight against plastic waste is a shared responsibility. Whether we’re individuals, organizations, or businesses, we all have a role to play in creating a circular economy where waste is a resource, not a problem. We need to challenge the systems that allow mismanagement and work toward real solutions that empower communities to thrive.

In Baseco, we’re already seeing change. With every piece of plastic we collect, with every new partnership we build, we’re showing that it’s possible to turn things around. But this is just the beginning. Imagine what we could achieve if we all came together—businesses, governments, communities, and individuals—working toward lasting solutions.

The tide may bring in new challenges every day, but together, we can turn it. And when we do, we won’t just be cleaning up beaches. We’ll be rebuilding hope, restoring dignity, and protecting our planet for generations to come.

It’s time. Let’s turn the tide—together. Support the International Coastal Cleanup Day, be a volunteer, and join any of the sites available in your area. For more information, please visit ICC Philippines Website .