Cleaning up the campaign trail

**media[17325]**EDITORS DESKThe 2025 midterm election may be over, but the pollution it left behind still looms large. According to the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the agency collected up to 20 tons of campaign materials per day during the peak of the election season. These materials—mostly tarpaulins, PVC plastic, and other non-biodegradable items—once served as instruments of political expression, but now pose serious environmental threats.When left unmanaged, these materials can clog waterways, damage natural resources, and pile up in landfills—contributing further to climate change and biodiversity loss.To address the waste left by the elections, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) launched a nationwide campaign encouraging the collection, repurposing, reuse, and recycling of campaign materials. The Environmental Management Bureau, in collaboration with civic groups like Green Convergence, led this initiative to help mitigate the environmental impact of discarded election paraphernalia.Former DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga underscored the importance of community involvement in this effort. “After all, being responsible stewards of the environment demonstrates our love for our nation and our commitment to a brighter future for all Filipinos,” she said. These initiatives not only address the environmental impacts of these pollutants, but also provide livelihood to Filipino communities. “By repurposing campaign materials, we protect biodiversity in our lands and our oceans, while at the same time create economic opportunities and foster household uses that benefit our communities,” she continued. "In protecting our environment, responsibility lies not just with a select few, but with each and every one of us.”Local solutionsIn Davao City, Mayor Baste Duterte signed Executive Order No. 6, requiring all local candidates to form teams dedicated to retrieving, reusing, and recycling their campaign materials—an effort that reinforces the city’s environmental commitment.Meanwhile, the municipality of Bacnotan in La Union introduced an upcycling project that converts discarded tarpaulins for everyday use such as aprons, eco-bags, and other reusable products. This initiative not only addresses waste management but also supports local livelihoods.Caloocan City Mayor Along Malapitan promoted the collection of campaign materials to be recycled into practical items such as student chairs—a creative and functional approach to waste reduction.In Taytay, Rizal, Councilor Tobit Cruz asked constituents to return his campaign tarpaulins, which will be upcycled into bags and given as tokens of appreciation to volunteers, blending recycling efforts with community engagement.Other environmental groups and watchdogs launched their own projects and initiatives to tackle post-election waste. For example, the EcoWaste Coalition, an advocacy organization promoting sustainable waste solutions, mobilized community volunteers and workers for a cleanup drive across key areas of the metro.The fight continuesWith World Environment Day 2025 championing the call to #BeatPlasticPollution, we are reminded of our shared responsibility to protect the planet. While campaign season highlighted the scale of plastic waste, we must continue the fight against pollution in our own ways. Through simple, consistent actions like reusing, recycling, and supporting local sustainability efforts, we can all be part of the solution.We have all exercised our right to vote. Now, let’s also exercise our right to live in cleaner, greener communities—by doing our part to safeguard the environment.(Rey Robes Ilagan is the editor of Manila Bulletin’s Lifestyle, Environment and Sustainability section.)