Epson and WWF-Philippines Boost Masbate Island’s Eco Efforts with Tech and Training

Epson Philippines and WWF-Philippines have teamed up to improve waste management and environmental education in Monreal, Ticao Island, Masbate—bringing in technology, training, and long-term solutions to help the coastal community fight plastic pollution.

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Monreal is part of the Ticao-Burias Pass Protected Seascape (TBPPS), a vital marine sanctuary. The town’s 11 barangays produce over 6,000 kilograms of waste daily, with nearly half being plastic. Before the project, the local waste facility struggled to manage the growing volume.

Through the Increasing Capacities for Local Environmental Action (ICLEAN) Project, Epson and WWF helped the town increase its waste storage capacity by nearly 50%, leading to cleaner surroundings and healthier communities.

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“‘Engineered for Good’ is a standard we live by,” said Masako Kusama, President and Director of Epson Philippines. “By working directly with communities like Monreal, we help people gain the resources and skills they need to shape a more secure future while protecting the marine resources their livelihoods depend on.”

The program provided a plastic shredder that boosted Monreal’s production of eco-bricks made from shredded plastic inside PET bottles. These bricks are used in local construction projects, turning plastic waste into useful materials.

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Training sessions were also held for local government officials and waste workers. They learned about waste laws, segregation techniques, and reducing plastic use—ensuring the system works even after the program ends.

Young students joined the cause through environmental education sessions in schools. They learned about the 3Rs—reduce, reuse, recycle—and the effects of plastic on their environment.

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“Sustainability must connect directly to people’s lives,” said Jun Narvadez, Jr., Donsol Integrated Conservation Program Manager of WWF-Philippines. “Through this partnership, we’re helping people see that they can drive meaningful change.”

The ICLEAN Project helps protect Monreal’s waters, which serve as key fishing grounds for local families. Cleaner waste systems mean less plastic in the ocean, healthier fish habitats, and better food security.

Epson and WWF-Philippines now aim to expand the program to more towns around the TBPPS, forming a network of communities working together to protect marine ecosystems.

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

Read more Good Tech stories of how Filipinos are protecting the planet and building sustainable communities on GoodNewsPilipinas.com.

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