In coastal communities such as Pio Duran, Albay, effective day-to-day waste management plays a vital role in protecting the environment and sustaining the livelihoods of communities that depend on it. Through a practical, community-led initiative, Epson Philippines Corporation (EPC), in partnership with World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-Philippines), has successfully completed the Pio Duran Waste Management Enhancement Project, aimed at strengthening local waste systems and reducing environmental impact.

The initiative reflects Epson’s “Engineered for Good” campaign, which demonstrates how the company applies innovation and partnerships to create long-term, meaningful impact in communities.

Strengthening Waste Management in a Coastal Municipality

As part of the Ticao-Burias Pass Protected Seascape, Pio Duran plays an important role in safeguarding marine ecosystems that support fishing, tourism, and local livelihoods. However, challenges such as limited waste collection coverage and insufficient recycling infrastructure have contributed to plastic leakage into waterways and mangrove areas, affecting both ecosystems and communities.

To address these issues, the project focused on improving everyday waste management practices through practical, locally driven interventions.

Five padyak collection units were deployed across three barangays, expanding access to households that previously experienced irregular or limited waste collection. With these in place, communities now achieve more consistent waste pickup, averaging 367.5 kilograms of mixed waste and 132.5 kilograms of plastic waste weekly.

In addition, six waste segregation bins were installed in key public areas, including the municipal port and a mangrove ecotourism site. These bins collectively gather up to 21 kilograms of waste per week, helping reduce plastic leakage into coastal and marine environments.

Enhancing Local Recycling Capacity

At the municipal level, the project strengthened recycling capabilities through the provision of a plastic extruder machine, complementing an existing shredder. This enables collected plastic waste to be processed into usable materials such as eco-bricks, supporting local waste diversion efforts and reducing dependence on external disposal systems.

Capacity Building and Community Engagement

A key component of the initiative was capability building. A two-day training program engaged 65 participants from 19 barangays, equipping local officials and waste workers with practical knowledge on waste segregation, planning, and implementation.

This training led to the development and updating of solid waste management plans, which will guide coordinated action across communities over the next three years.

Community participation further strengthened the initiative’s impact. Two cleanup drives conducted in the Marigondon mangrove area mobilized 100 volunteers, who removed 205.9 kilograms of waste from an ecosystem particularly vulnerable to tidal movement and human activity. These efforts also helped reinforce awareness of proper waste management and the importance of shared environmental responsibility.

Supporting Long-Term Environmental Protection

Pio Duran is part of a protected seascape that supports marine biodiversity and coastal livelihoods. As coastal development and tourism activity continue to grow, strengthening waste management systems becomes increasingly important in protecting natural ecosystems and sustaining local economic activity.

Masako Kusama, President and Director of Epson Philippines Corporation, emphasized the importance of collaboration in creating sustainable impact.

“Engineered for Good reflects how we approach our role in society. We apply our technology and work with partners in ways that create value that can be sustained over time. Collaboration with partners like WWF and local communities helps ensure that these efforts are relevant, practical, and able to continue,” Kusama said.

Building on Long-Term Community Impact

With decades of experience guided by its philosophy of efficient, compact, and precise innovation, Epson continues to extend its impact beyond technology—supporting programs that strengthen communities and protect shared natural resources.

This initiative builds on Epson’s ongoing work in the Philippines, where partnerships with local governments and organizations help address community needs and improve environmental management systems.

As local stakeholders continue to sustain and expand these efforts, the improvements in Pio Duran provide a strong foundation for more consistent and effective waste management in the years ahead.

For more information about Epson, its products, and services, visit: https://www.epson.com.ph/