DOST program to address Phl's plastic polluter tag

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will pursue an initiative to promote a circular, green and sustainable economy that will address the country's notoriety as one of the world's top plastic polluters especially of oceans.

- By RAINIER ALLAN RONDA

Science Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said the agency is now implementing their Science, Technology and Innovation for Circular Economy (STI4CE) initiative that actively supports research and development projects and efforts at adoption of sustainable plastic and packaging materials technologies by communities and industries.

“According to the SEA circular, an initiative from the UN Environment Programme and the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia, the Philippines is one of the world's worst offenders on marine plastic pollution, with 0.28 - 0.75 million tons per year of plastic entering oceans and coastal areas in Manila Bay,” Solidum said.