Eco Warriors Lead the Way in "Save the Puerto Princesa Bays" Initiative, Empowered by Eco Kolek

PUERTO PRINCESA, PALAWAN—A strategic initiative to combat escalating plastic pollution and restore the coastline of Puerto Princesa is gaining momentum, led by local Eco-Warriors and supported by the Eco Kolek program under the USAID Clean Cities, Blue Ocean (CCBO) partnership. The project, titled "Save the Puerto Princesa Bays," is focusing initial efforts on Barangay Bagong Silang, a critical coastal community.

Addressing the Coastal Pollution Crisis

Barangay Bagong Silang, known for its scenic coastal position, faces a significant challenge due to improper solid waste management. The casual disposal of waste has resulted in a critical accumulation of debris—ranging from plastic sachets to glass containers—beneath residential structures and along the shoreline, directly threatening the vital marine ecosystem of Puerto Princesa Bay .

The "Save the Puerto Princesa Bays" initiative is centered on source segregation and responsible waste management, mobilizing community members and allies to restore the pristine waters that are essential to the city's identity and economy.

Empowering Frontline Guardians

At the heart of this transformative effort are the Eco-Warriors, who have emerged as the frontline champions of change. Eco Kolek provides them with a structured platform, equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge to drive meaningful, community-level change.

"Our Eco-Warriors are proud to stand as guardians of our environment," stated Shellemai Roa, Project Director of Eco Kolek. "Through the 'Save the Puerto Princesa Bays' initiative, we're not just collecting waste, but igniting a movement for lasting change."

A critical component of the strategy involves social behavior change. By instilling responsible waste management practices and promoting waste classification at the household level, the initiative aims to cultivate a long-term culture of environmental mindfulness.

Blueprint for Sustainable Stewardship

The recent endeavors in Barangay Bagong Silang mark a promising chapter in Puerto Princesa's environmental narrative. Through the unwavering dedication of the Eco-Warriors and the steadfast support of Eco Kolek and its partners, a clear blueprint for community-driven environmental stewardship is taking shape. This model promises a brighter, plastic-free future for Puerto Princesa's bays, demonstrating the powerful impact of local leadership backed by national and international support.