The plastic count project leverages cutting-edge technology and citizen science to collect precise data, challenge misconceptions, and create tailored solutions for combating plastic pollution in the Philippines.
The Philippines has long been labelled one of the top contributors to global ocean plastic pollution. In September 2023, an international study ranked the country as the leading source of plastic waste in the oceans, contributing an estimated 3.30 kilograms per person annually. According to Utility Bidder, a UK-based independent organization, this staggering figure accounts for 36% of the world’s plastic waste.
However, Dr. Paul Samuel P. Ignacio of the University of the Philippines Baguio cautions that these rankings rely on indirect approximations rather than ground-truth data. This lack of empirical evidence makes it difficult for the Philippines to confirm or challenge these claims, highlighting the urgent need for accurate, localized data on plastic waste.
To address this gap, the Plastic Count Project, officially known as PlastiCount Pilipinas, was launched in January 2022. Spearheaded by the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP-MSI) in collaboration with UP Baguio and funded by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), the project aims to provide precise data on microplastic and macroplastic pollution in the country’s marine environments. Led by Dr. Deo Florence Onda, the plastic count project seeks to challenge prevailing narratives and develop community-specific solutions to plastic pollution.
The plastic count project employs state-of-the-art technologies to monitor and quantify plastic waste. For microplastics—tiny particles nearly invisible to the naked eye—the project uses nile red, a fluorescent dye that causes microplastics to glow under blue light. For macroplastics, the project utilizes drone imagery and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology adapted from Japan to detect and count plastic debris. These innovations represent a significant leap forward in environmental conservation efforts.
Two key facilities have been established under the project: the Microplastics Quantification, Identification, and Biodegradation facility (MicroQUIB) in Pangasinan Province and the Quantification, Identification, Classification, and Mapping of Plastics Pollution facility (QuICMaPP) in UP Baguio. The MicroQUIB is equipped with an automated microplastic imager that captures high-resolution images of stained samples, while the QuICMaPP utilises Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) drones to map large areas, such as coastlines. The data collected is then analyzed using AI models to detect and quantify plastic waste.
One of the project’s most significant findings is the site-specific nature of plastic pollution. For example, fishing lines and flotation materials dominate plastic waste in Palawan Province, while plastic bottles are more prevalent in Bolinao, Pangasinan. This discovery underscores the limitations of one-size-fits-all policies and emphasizes the need for localized, data-driven approaches to plastic waste management.
Dr. Ignacio also highlights the importance of harmonizing methods across government agencies, academia, and students. To achieve this, the project has developed a training program to unify stakeholders’ approaches to tackling plastic waste. By aligning methodologies and objectives, the initiative aims to enhance the effectiveness of collective efforts to address the crisis.
Beyond data collection, the plastic count project is committed to raising public awareness about plastic pollution. The team has produced short video documentaries to educate Filipinos about the issue and developed an AI tool for analyzing plastic waste in images. These efforts not only inform the public but also encourage citizens to document plastic waste, contributing valuable data to the research.
The project’s second phase, dubbed PlastiZen, was launched in April 2025. Building on the foundation laid by the plastic count project, PlastiZen will focus on engaging citizens through citizen science, educational activities for students, and effective science communication. This phase will involve the public in monitoring plastic waste, fostering a deeper understanding of the issue and empowering communities to take action.
The plastic count project is more than a research initiative; it is a movement to redefine the narrative around plastic waste in the Philippines. By integrating cutting-edge technology, policy development, and public engagement, the project serves as a model for addressing complex environmental challenges.
As Dr. Ignacio explains, “Because of its transboundary nature, the issue of plastic pollution in the Philippines—and the world—is a problem not only of scientists but of everyone. As such, we all must know the extent of the problem and the steps we can individually take to contribute to collective efforts to solve this global crisis”
The Plastic Count project and its PlastiZen phase represent a transformative approach to managing plastic waste. By combining scientific research with public engagement and policy advocacy, the initiative paves the way for a more sustainable future. It challenges the Philippines—and the world—to rethink how we perceive, manage, and mitigate plastic pollution.
Through its innovative methods and inclusive strategies, the plastic count project demonstrates that the fight against plastic waste is not insurmountable. With accurate data, collaborative efforts, and empowered communities, the Philippines can turn the tide on plastic pollution and set an example for the rest of the world.
Other articles by Cyrene:
Giant Clam Conservation: Reviving the Philippines’ Coral Reefs
A Trainers’ Bootcamp Advances Constructive Climate Reporting in Southeast Asia
