Pushes for green tourism: A vision for a sustainable Philippines
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- Mar 16
- 6 min read
Recent surveys indicate a significant shift among Asian travelers toward sustainable tourism, with Filipino travelers leading this eco-conscious movement.
A recent Agoda is according to Daily Tribune and other media outlets survey revealed that 86% of Filipino travelers prioritize sustainability in their travel choices for 2025, surpassing the Asian average of 68%. This commitment reflects a growing awareness of environmental and social impacts among Filipino tourists.
Survey with 6000 participans
The Agoda survey, encompassing over 6,000 participants across 11 Asian markets, highlights a regional shift toward eco-friendly travel. Following the Philippines, travelers from India (82%), Taiwan (80%), Malaysia (80%), and Vietnam (77%) also consider sustainability a key factor in their travel plans.
Over 70% of respondents express a greater inclination to contribute to the local economy, factoring this into their travel decisions and spending. They are conscious of the need for economic recovery in communities.
Degradation and over-tourism
The Philippines' rich biodiversity has faced challenges due to environmental degradation and over-tourism, as seen with destinations like Boracay. These issues have heightened awareness among Filipino travelers about the importance of preserving natural resources and practicing responsible tourism.
Sustainable tourism initiatives in the Philippines have provided employment opportunities for residents, allowing them to benefit directly from the tourism industry. This empowerment encourages travelers to support eco-conscious practices and ethical travel options.
President and sustainable tourism
President Ferdinand «Bongbong» Marcos Jr. has consistently emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism in the Philippines. He advocates for »going green» in transforming the tourism sector to address climate change and ensure long-term industry sustainability. Marcos believes that adopting sustainable practices not only preserves natural resources but also enhances the overall tourism experience.
Collectively, these factors have cultivated a strong commitment among Filipino travelers to prioritize sustainability, aiming to protect the environment, support local economies, and enrich their travel experiences.
Boost in tourism
Under his administration, the Philippines has seen a significant boost in tourism, with international arrivals reaching 5.45 million in 2023, surpassing the target of 4.8 million. This growth underscores the country's appeal as a top travel destination.
Marcos also highlights the role of public-private partnerships in boosting tourism, emphasizing that collaboration is key to making the Philippines a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient global tourism hub.
Furthermore, he calls for eco-friendly practices in specific tourist destinations, such as Siargao, to protect and conserve the environment while promoting activities like surfing.
Sustainable practices
Asian travelers are increasingly adopting sustainable practices, including:
Authentic cxperiences: Approximately 25% of respondents seek genuine cultural interactions that benefit local communities.
Off-peak travel: Nearly a quarter prefer traveling during less busy periods to minimize environmental impact and avoid overcrowding.
Waste reduction: About 18% of travelers bring reusable items, such as water bottles and shopping bags, to reduce waste.
Implications for the tourism industry
This growing emphasis on sustainability presents both challenges and opportunities for the tourism sector. Destinations, airlines, hotels, and tour operators must adapt by:
Developing eco-friendly options: Offering services and accommodations that align with sustainable values.
Supporting local communities: Creating programs that benefit local economies and preserve cultural heritage.
Promoting off-peak travel: Encouraging travel during less popular times to distribute tourist traffic more evenly.
The rise in eco-conscious travelers across Asia, especially from the Philippines, signals a transformative period for sustainable tourism in the region.
Over the past few years, the Philippines has implemented several initiatives to improve waste management, yielding both advancements and ongoing challenges.
Legislative framework
The passage of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003) established a systematic approach to waste management, aiming to protect public health and the environment. This act mandates the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to support the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) in implementing waste management plans and educating local government units (LGUs) on ecological practices.
Technological innovations
In Legazpi City, the introduction of a Smart Waste Management System and Staff Tracker Application has optimized waste collection and transportation. This digital tool recalibrates truck routes, reducing time and fuel consumption, thereby minimizing marine plastic leakage. Developed under the Healthy Oceans and Clean Cities Initiative by UN-Habitat and funded by the Japanese government, this application represents a significant technological advancement in municipal waste management.
61,000 metric tons daily
Despite these efforts, challenges persist. The 2023 Commission on Audit (COA) report highlighted a significant increase in solid waste generation, from 9.07 million metric tons in 2000 to 16.63 million in 2020, with projections reaching 24.5 million tons by 2045. Additionally, there is a notable deficiency in waste management infrastructure: only 39% of barangays had Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) in 2021, and a mere 29.25% of LGUs had access to sanitary landfills.
Furthermore, the Philippines produces approximately 61,000 metric tons of waste daily, with 24% attributed to plastic waste. This substantial volume underscores the urgency for improved waste management strategies.
Reducing plastic waste leakage by 50%
Three major ports in the Philippines—Batangas, Cagayan De Oro, and Manila North Port—have successfully reduced their plastic waste leakage by 50%.
50% through targeted interventions under the Clean Ports, Clean Oceans: Improving Port Waste Management in the Philippines project.
This initiative, a campaign by World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF Philippines), named «No Plastics in Nature» was implemented by the Grieg Group with funding from the Grieg Foundation. The Grieg Foundation is a Norwegian philanthropic organization that funds initiatives in education, health, environmental sustainability, and culture. It is closely linked to the Grieg Group, a family-owned business involved in shipping, seafood, and investment. The foundation has supported various global projects, including marine conservation efforts such as the Clean Ports, Clean Oceans initiative in the Philippines.
Norwegian support
The project’s achievements were highlighted during a culminating event held on September last year at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City. The event gathered key stakeholders, including representatives from the Norwegian embassy, local government units, maritime industry authorities, port management offices, and social enterprises from project sites.
Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines Christian Lyster emphasized the importance of sustainable ocean management, stating that protecting and promoting sustainable ocean management are important areas of work for peace, prosperity, and for the planet. –What the project showed us is that the challenges are numerous and complex but that partnerships and strong cooperation can help us find environmentally sustainable solutions together.
Data-driven solutions
The initiative began in 2020 with WWF Philippines selecting the pilot sites. In 2022, the organisation and AMH Philippines conducted baseline studies to assess the volume of plastic waste generated and its potential environmental leakage at each port. AMH Philippines is an engineering consultancy firm specializing in infrastructure development, environmental sustainability, and project management. This is the achievement:
Port of Batangas: Generated 43,443 kg of plastic waste annually, with 12% (approximately 5,213 kg) potentially leaking into the environment.
Manila North Port: Produced 11,999 kg of plastic waste per year, with a 13% leakage rate (approximately 1,560 kg).
Port of Cagayan De Oro: Generated 21,961 kg of plastic waste, with only 3% (approximately 659 kg) potentially leaking.
Based on these findings, WWF Philippines implemented various waste management strategies, including:
Improved waste segregation and collection systems
Enhanced recycling and waste diversion programs
Increased collaboration with port authorities and local communities to strengthen sustainable waste management practices
Long-term sustainability
The significant reduction in plastic waste leakage at these ports demonstrates the effectiveness of data-driven interventions and cross-sectoral cooperation in addressing marine pollution. WWF Philippines aims to expand the initiative to additional ports and coastal areas, ensuring long-term sustainability and the preservation of marine ecosystems.
With continued support from stakeholders and international partners, the Philippines can further strengthen its commitment to reducing ocean plastic pollution and promoting environmentally responsible port operations.
In summary, while the Philippines has made strides in waste management through legislative measures and technological innovations, significant challenges remain. Ongoing efforts and enhanced infrastructure are essential to address the increasing waste generation and to promote sustainable environmental practices.
