The Protected Area Management Office of the Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape (PAMO-SBPS) is mulling banning the use of single-use plastics in Sarangani Bay.

During a policy review and consultation on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, members of the SBPS Protected Area Management Board and Oceana said the proposal to ban the use of single-use plastics aims to protect and conserve the SBPS against the negative impact of plastic pollution.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Soccsksargen (DENR-12), SBPS is the second largest protected seascape in the country and a home to various marine wildlife.

“A 2019 study identified the Philippines as the top contributor to plastic waste, with an alarming 350,000 tons annually finding their way into the ocean. The figure accounts for 36% of the global total plastic waste that may lead to a massive marine biodiversity collapse,” the DENR-12 said.

SBPS Protected Area Superintendent, Cirilo Lagnason Jr., said the proposal is being finalized.

“We are finalizing a policy on banning single-use plastics in businesses and tourism-related enterprises within SBPS to combat and mitigate plastic pollution. We are also encouraging the local government and other concerned agencies to take part in the implementation of th