Epson Philippines, in collaboration with WWF-Philippines, has successfully completed the Increasing Capacities for Local Environmental Action (ICLEAN) Project in Monreal, Ticao Island, Masbate. This project tackled critical waste management challenges while safeguarding the marine ecosystems vital for the community's livelihoods. 


Monreal is situated in the Ticao-Burias Pass Protected Seascape (TBPPS), an essential marine sanctuary noted for its biodiversity and significance to local fishing communities. With approximately 7,500 households in 11 barangays, Monreal produces over 6,000 kilograms of waste each day—42% of which consists of plastic—underscoring the pressing need for sustainable waste management solutions.

Responding to Urgent Waste Management Needs

Before the ICLEAN Project, Monreal's residual containment facility faced severe limitations, with waste accumulation overwhelming its capacity. Plastics—often recyclable materials like sachets, bags, and straws—frequently found their way into the ocean, endangering marine life and public health.

The project introduced a comprehensive approach combining infrastructure improvements, technology transfer, and community training. As a result, the town’s waste storage capacity increased by 49.77%, contributing to cleaner surroundings and improved community health.

“Engineered for Good is a standard we live by,” said Masako Kusama, President and Director of Epson Philippines. “By partnering with communities like Monreal, we help equip people with the tools and knowledge they need to protect both their future and their environment.”

Technology and Training Drive Sustainable Solutions

One of the project’s key achievements was the provision of a plastic shredder to the Monreal local government. This technology enhanced the town’s ability to process plastic waste and support its existing eco-brick initiative, which repurposes shredded plastic-filled PET bottles into building materials for local construction projects.

Additionally, Epson and WWF-Philippines conducted extensive training sessions for local officials, barangay leaders, and waste collectors. These sessions covered waste management laws, proper segregation methods, and source reduction strategies—ensuring long-term sustainability beyond the project’s implementation.

Educating Youth for Lasting Impact

Recognizing that meaningful change starts with awareness, the ICLEAN Project included educational campaigns in Monreal’s elementary and high schools. Hundreds of students participated in environmental learning sessions focused on plastic pollution and the 3Rs—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

“Sustainability must connect directly to people’s lives,” said Jun Narvadez Jr., Donsol Integrated Conservation Program Manager at WWF-Philippines. “The most effective solutions are those that begin with people and grow through their leadership.”

By fostering environmental awareness among young people, the program helps cultivate future leaders who are committed to protecting their communities and ecosystems.

Preserving Marine Ecosystems and Livelihoods

For coastal communities like Monreal, the health of marine ecosystems is closely tied to survival and economic security. As part of the TBPPS, the waters surrounding Monreal support fishing, biodiversity, and food supply. However, unchecked plastic pollution threatens this balance—endangering fish habitats, contaminating water, and risking long-term food security.

The ICLEAN Project helps prevent waste from reaching the sea, preserving essential breeding grounds and ensuring that marine resources remain viable for generations. These efforts safeguard not just the environment, but also the livelihoods of thousands of families who depend on the ocean.

Expanding Impact Across Coastal Communities

Building on the success in Monreal, Epson and WWF-Philippines aim to replicate the ICLEAN Project across other municipalities within the TBPPS. Their vision is to establish a network of environmentally responsible communities working together to protect shared marine resources and promote local resilience.

“Our commitment is clear: to be responsible partners in sustainability—supporting communities, enabling livelihoods, and advancing solutions that create lasting, positive change,” Kusama emphasized.