The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) officially launched its celebration of National Maritime Week (NMW) 2025 by participating in the annual International Coastal Clean-Up (ICC) Day. The large-scale clean-up drive, held at SM Mall of Asia, By the Bay Central Park, saw 100 PPA employees volunteer to collect waste and prevent it from polluting Manila Bay.
PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago underscored the agency’s commitment to environmental stewardship. “The ocean is at the heart of our nation’s identity and economy,” he said. “Joining the International Coastal Clean-Up Day is one of the many steps we are taking to protect our marine environment. This commitment extends beyond a single day; PPA remains dedicated to implementing sustainable practices across all ports.”
A Legacy of Environmental Stewardship
The clean-up is part of PPA’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable port operations and environmental protection. Since 2016, the agency has collected over 228,000 kilograms of waste from clean-up drives nationwide. Additionally, as of May 2025, PPA has properly managed more than 1.1 million kilograms of solid waste generated within its ports.
Leading Sustainable Initiatives
Beyond waste management, PPA has been a leader in implementing sustainable initiatives. This includes integrating renewable energy solutions, decarbonizing port activities, and banning single-use plastics since 2021. The agency’s partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) under the “No Plastics in Nature” initiative has also significantly reduced plastic pollution at major ports, earning PPA recognition from WWF Philippines in 2023 for its dedication to plastic-free operations.
As the host of National Maritime Week 2025, PPA is leading this year’s celebration with the theme “Our Ocean, Our Obligation, Our Opportunity.” The week-long series of events and programs aims to strengthen maritime awareness and inspire collective action for a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future.
