In a powerful partnership for the planet, Epson Philippines and WWF-Philippines have wrapped up the ICLEAN (Increasing Capacities for Local Environmental Action) Project in Monreal, Ticao Island, Masbate—an ambitious community initiative focused on tackling waste and protecting one of the country’s most important marine sanctuaries.
Nestled along the Ticao-Burias Pass Protected Seascape (TBPPS)—a nationally recognized marine biodiversity hotspot—Monreal is home to around 7,500 households spread across 11 barangays. This coastal town plays a vital role in preserving the rich marine ecosystems that support fishing, tourism, and local livelihoods. But like many communities, it has struggled with a mounting problem: waste.
Each day, Monreal generates over 6,000 kilograms of waste, nearly half of which is plastic. The lack of proper facilities meant much of this ended up polluting the very waters that sustain life in the area.
Turning the tide on trash
Before the ICLEAN Project, Monreal’s waste containment system was overwhelmed. Streets bore the brunt, and plastic waste found its way into the sea, threatening marine life and the economy. But change was on the horizon.
Through the ICLEAN initiative, Epson and WWF rolled out a comprehensive plan that included infrastructure upgrades, technology solutions, and community training. The result? A 49.77% boost in the town’s waste storage capacity and cleaner, healthier neighborhoods.
“‘Engineered for Good’ isn’t just a motto—it’s a mission,” said Masako Kusama, President and Director of Epson Philippines. “By empowering communities like Monreal, we’re building a more sustainable future from the ground up.”
Tech + training = transformation
A game-changing highlight of the project was the donation of a plastic shredder to Monreal’s local government. This allowed the community to ramp up their eco-brick production—an initiative where shredded plastic is stuffed into PET bottles and used as building material. What was once garbage is now becoming homes, schools, and more.
To ensure long-term success, the program also delivered training sessions for local officials, waste collectors, and barangay leaders. These covered everything from national waste management laws to smart segregation and plastic reduction strategies.
Real change starts with the youth, and ICLEAN made sure they weren’t left out. Hundreds of students from local elementary and high schools joined environmental learning sessions, where they explored the dangers of plastic pollution and learned about the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
“Sustainability should feel personal,” said Jun Narvadez, Jr., Program Manager of WWF-Philippines’ Donsol Integrated Conservation Program. “When people see how they can make a difference, they lead the charge—and that’s when real change begins.”
Saving the sea, sustaining livelihoods
For coastal towns like Monreal, clean oceans are about more than beauty—they’re about survival. Fishing is a lifeline here, and as plastic waste chokes breeding grounds and contaminates waters, that lifeline is at risk.
Thanks to ICLEAN, improved waste systems are keeping plastic out of the ocean, safeguarding fish habitats, and preserving the livelihoods that depend on them. It’s a win for the environment and a win for the economy.
What’s next?
With Monreal’s success as a blueprint, Epson and WWF-Philippines are already planning to expand the ICLEAN Project to more coastal communities around the TBPPS. The goal? A united front of eco-conscious municipalities working together to protect their shared marine heritage.
“We’re here for the long haul,” Kusama added. “Our mission is to support communities, build resilience, and champion solutions that last.”
For more information on ICLEAN and Epson’s sustainability efforts, visit www.epson.com.ph.