Ilocos Norte’s plastic recycling facility to begin operation

As part of Ilocos Norte’s commitment in promoting sustainable measures for the protection of its environment, the Plastic Recycling and Materials Recovery Facility, a project by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) located in the Municipality of Marcos will soon begin its operations. 

Plastic waste has become a global environmental crisis and the provincial government recognizes the urgency of this issue, thus has tapped the support of DENR-EMB to invest in the development of a state-of-the-art facility that utilizes advanced technology to revolutionize plastic recycling.

The facility, worth Php 25.5 million, is equipped with a plastic washer and dryer, a shredding machine with conveyor, a pulverizing machine, an extruder for the manufacture of chairs, tables, and flowerpots, as well as a plastic melting factory set.

It represents Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc and the province’s commitment to combating plastic waste and advancing the circular economy by serving as the processing site for the biodegradable and residual wastes generated from some of the towns in Ilocos Norte and turning them into usable products. 

The protection of the environment and the sustainability of Ilocos Norte is one of the priority areas of the provincial government under Gov. Marcos Manotoc’s leadership, and this Plastic Recycling and Recovery Facility signifies an important step forward in its mission to build a more sustainable future. By transforming plastic waste into valuable resources, the provincial government aim to minimize environmental harm and protect natural resources.

In 2019, Gov. Marcos Manotoc launched a province-wide environmental awareness campaign titled “Narimat a Aglawlaw” which supports the Republic Act 9003 known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. Additionally, he also authored the  Provincial Ordinance No. 2019-05-074 titled “Anti-Plastic Ordinance” which aims to reduce if not totally eradicate certain uses of plastics and provide penalties, and the Ordinance No. 2018-07-051 otherwise known as the “Anti-Littering Ordinance” which intensifies the campaign on proper waste disposal to prevent ecological and environmental degradation, instill discipline, social responsibility, and awareness for the environment.

Today, he remains steadfast in promoting environmental conservation measures and ecological sustainability through increased investments in the renewable energy sector, and the implementation of environmental legislations, projects, and programs.