MSI researchers are collecting sediment samples from coastal areas, which will be analyzed in their laboratory to detect the presence of microplastic particles. (Photo credit: Microbial Oceanography Laboratory)
A documentary featuring projects of the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science’s Marine Science Institute (UPD-CS MSI) received the Best Science and Technology Investigative Story (Audio-Visual) trophy at the Department of Science and Technology’s 2024 Bantog Awards for Science Communication.
Produced by the GMA Integrated News Digital Innovation and Strategic Lab for their DigiDokyu segment, the episode, “Ang Plastic Mo! The Philippine Plastic Problem,” delved into the effects of plastic on the country’s marine environment, the livelihoods of fisherfolk, and the food supply.
According to the World Bank, as cited in the documentary, the Philippines produces 2.7 million metric tons of plastic annually, 20% of which ends up in the ocean. Published research on plastics frequently mentions the Philippines as a top contributor to marine plastic pollution, yet most of this research is based on model projections and lacks actual baseline data collected from Philippine marine areas. The growing problem of plastics in the country and the lack of accurate data on plastics pushed MSI to create projects addressing plastic pollution. (Eunice Patron). #
