Photo courtesy of DENR.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recently held the 2026 Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Recognition Program to review progress in implementing the EPR Law (Republic Act No. 11898).
The event coincided with National Zero Waste Month and the 25th anniversary of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003), highlighting achievements in plastic waste recovery and producer compliance.
DENR Secretary Raphael Lotilla said the recognition program reflects how EPR is applied across sectors and shows that coordinated efforts among government, industry, and communities produce measurable results.
The program emphasized the complementary roles of RA 9003 and RA 11898. RA 9003 focuses on local government-led waste segregation and disposal, while RA 11898 assigns producers responsibility for post-consumer packaging.
Data presented showed the national plastic diversion rate reached 55.98 percent in 2025, exceeding the mandated 40 percent target. Flexible plastics achieved 56.33 percent recovery, while rigid plastics reached 55.60 percent.
The National Ecology Center registered 1,017 entities, including obligated enterprises, collectives, and Producer Responsibility Organizations, across 201 EPR programs by the end of 2025.
Lotilla said the growing private-sector participation reflects both compliance with the law and a sense of ownership in waste management efforts.
He added that these initiatives contribute to the country’s shift toward a circular economy while meeting global standards.
For 2026, the DENR plans to improve digital monitoring, build institutional capacity, expand public information campaigns, standardize audit frameworks, and incentivize sustainable packaging design.
The program was co-organized by DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau and the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Material Sustainability, with participants from government, business, academe, and civil society.