Melo Villareal
The first Interceptor barrier in the Manila Bay region is to be operational by June 2026
The Ocean Cleanup, a global non-profit, reaffirms its dedication to reducing ocean-bound plastic waste from the Manila Bay area by deploying its first Interceptor™ barrier in the Philippines, planned for the Meycauayan River by June 2026.
The Ocean Cleanup
This announcement comes after Interceptor deployments across the Manila Bay area, part of The Ocean Cleanup’s global 30 Cities Program. This initiative seeks to boost efforts to capture and eliminate ocean-bound plastic from rivers worldwide, aiming for up to one-third reduction by the end of the decade.
This new Interceptor barrier, developed in collaboration with the City of Meycauayan and the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), will replace an existing trash trap and improve plastic waste interception, preventing debris from reaching Manila Bay.
This major development will allow for capturing a portion of the estimated 370 to 540 tonnes of yearly emissions from the Meycauayan River system into Manila Bay.
“This milestone brings us one step closer to building tangible solutions toward cleaner rivers and healthier communities in the Manila Bay region. We are excited to collaborate with the City of Meycauayan on this first deployment in the Philippines, where commitment and leadership play a vital role in mitigating ocean-bound plastic waste pollution,” said Boyan Slat, Founder and CEO, The Ocean Cleanup.
Henry R. Villarica, Mayor of Meycauayan, added: “As a timely and necessary step forward, our city is proud to formalize a partnership with The Ocean Cleanup to support the rehabilitation of the Meycauayan River. Our work has never stopped, and this collaboration strengthens our capacity to accelerate meaningful, lasting change. We are fully committed to doing everything in our power to rehabilitate our river for the health, dignity, and future of our community.”
Every year, between 20,000 and 33,000 tonnes of plastic waste flow into the ocean from the Philippines. The Ocean Cleanup’s Smart River Survey estimates that in the Manila Bay area alone, emissions range from 3,500 to 4,400 tonnes annually. This highlights the severity of the problem and the urgent need for effective solutions.
Rivers are a major source of plastic waste in the oceans, with 1000 of the three million rivers around the world responsible for 80% of the problem, according to The Ocean Cleanup. To address this, the organization deploys Interceptor solutions in rivers and works within local waste systems to stop plastic from reaching the sea.
This initiative highlights The Ocean Cleanup’s growing network of collaborations, which includes significant partners like the Embassy of the Philippines in the Netherlands and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Philippines, as well as Energies PH serving as marine renewable energy advisors. Together, these partners actively collaborate with The Ocean Cleanup to reduce ocean-bound plastic in the Philippines.
This project is set to expand as The Ocean Cleanup strengthens its partnerships with the City of Meycauayan, other local government units, and organizations nationwide, aiming to go beyond interceptor deployment and promote increased awareness and research initiatives.
To find out more about The Ocean Cleanup, visit theoceancleanup.com.
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