WWF-Philippines, Ayala Malls, and partners launch #AyokoNgPlastik movement
October 2018
WWF-Philippines officially launched the #AyokoNgPlastik movement on Tuesday, October 16 at the Glorietta 2 Activity Center to an audience of partners, celebrities and eager environmental champions. The kickoff event served as a culmination of awareness efforts conducted through WWF-Philippine’s social media sites and the #AyokoNgPlastik Facebook group, paving the way for future initiatives for the organization’s primary push against single-use plastics.
The crowd gathered at the Glorietta 2 Activity Center for the #AyokoNgPlastik kickoff event. Decked out in the official #AyokoNgPlastik shirt, many came to show their support.
© Alo Lantin / WWF-Philippines
Single-use plastics are among the biggest pollutants found in our oceans today. In 2016, plastic production amounted to as much as 335 million metric tons, with approximately half of that amount used for single-use purposes. Plastic packaging is among the biggest of the pollutants, amounting to as much as 78 million tons. Little of what is produced is disposed of properly, with a whopping 32% of plastic packaging being left to the environs. 8 million tons of plastic packaging wind up in the ocean each year, where they wind up lodged in the nostrils of sea turtles or packed tight in the digestive tracts of seabirds, to cite some of the ways in which they pose a threat to wildlife.
The harm caused by plastics isn’t limited to wildlife, either. “Plastic pollution is a serious threat not only to marine life but to human life as well. Plastics don’t completely degenerate and just break down into small pieces – microplastics – which are ingested by the fish that we eat. The possibility of plastics ending up on dinner plates is a serioius concern and a health hazard,” said Joel Palma, WWF-Philippines President and CEO. Aside from the possible health risks microplastics pose to human beings, large quantities of plastics can clog up rivers and waterways, further exacerbating the effects of inclement weather – the effects of which were felt in natural disasters such as what happened in Manila during Ondoy back in 2009.
Environmental advocate Antoinette Taus, on behalf of National Geographic, conducts an interview with WWF-Philippines National Ambassadors Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez. Proceeds from this year's NatGeo Run helped commence the #AyokoNgPlastik movement. © Alo Lantin / WWF-Philippines
WWF, as an international organization, has recognized the threat posed by plastics in a world increasingly plagued by environmental crisis. WWF offices from across the world have taken arms against single-use plastics in their own localities. The #AyokoNgPlastik movement, which seeks to lessen, and eventually eliminate, single-use plastics within the country by raising awareness of the issue of plastic pollution with the public, and through transformative partnerships with corporations, serves as the localization of this international effort.
WWF-Philippines National Ambassadors Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez join the WWF-Philippines Next Generation Council (NGC) for a photograph in front of the official #AyokoNgPlastik logo. © Alo Lantin / WWF-Philippines
The #AyokoNgPlastik movement is the brainchild of WWF-Philippines’ Next Generation Council (NGC), a team of young and eminent leaders eager to mainstream environmental conservation. The NGC is headed by The Net Group Chair Raymond Rufino, while filling up the roster of talented members is television host and columnist Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi, Philux COO Stephanie Kienle-Gonzalez, Magsaysay Transport and Logistics COO Jesse Maxwell, Teach for the Philippines CEO Clarissa Delgado, The Moment Group Co-Founder and Creative Director Abba Napa, and former WWF-Philippines National Youth Council Chairperson Alexa Cancio.
"Driven by deep concern, every member of the NGC is volunteering time, energy and resources to reduce single-use plastic pollution in the country. The challenge is daunting but we are determined and committed," stated Rufino.
Ayala Malls, one of the biggest shopping mall developers in the Philippines, also expressed support for the movement during the event. As part of the Ayala group of companies (recognized by the United Nations as a sustainable development pioneer), Ayala Malls is committed to driving sustainable business and living practices across their many developments.
“Sustainability has long been a priority for Ayala Malls and we’re especially proud to have the chance to continue the momentum with WWF. We launched our initial campaign in 2009, with the aim to bring focus to the importance of sustainable living, and last year we established our intent for no plastic shopping bags across Ayala Malls. We are thrilled to have found a partner in WWF for #AyokoNgPlastik campaign, as we work together for a more sustainable future for the Philippines,” said Mariana Zobel de Ayala, Ayala Malls Deputy Head.
In addition to Ayala Malls, other official partners of the #AyokoNgPlastik movement present during the event include National Geographic, Bellevue Hotels and Resorts, Bo's Coffee, Corkcicle, Coffee Project, Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort, Puerto Pension Inn, foodpanda, HSBC, Impact Hub Manila, IVO, The Lind Boracay, The Moment Group, Toby's Estate, CIBO, and CNN-Philippines.
“We’re very grateful to have a number of companies join the movement this early on. With their involvement, it makes it easier for Filipinos to veer away from plastic and choose a sustainable alternative instead. We’re hoping to get more partners to participate in this cause,” Palma remarked.
WWF-Philippines National Ambassadors Marc and Rovilson and WWF-Philipines Next Generation Council Member Stephanie Zubiri-Crespi served as the event’s hosts. © Alo Lantin / WWF-Philippines
It cannot be denied that single-use plastics have been a detriment to the environment for a long time. There needs to be a drastic reduction in their usage, no matter how integral they may seem to everyday life. In fact, as integral as they are, the large turnout to the #AyokoNgPlastik kickoff event last October 16 at the Glorietta 2 Activity Center, as well as the many corporate partners the movement has already garnered, serve as proof that alternatives exist, that plastics don’t make the world go round, and that something can be done to reduce the harm they’ve caused to the environment. The #AyokoNgPlastik kickoff event is but the tip of an effort that looks to reduce the pollution caused by our country, for the sake of a cleaner, greener tomorrow.
For more information, please contact:
Communications & Media Manager Mr. Dan Ramirez (dramirez@wwf.org.ph)
