ADAMSON UNIVERSITY

THE IMPACT OF PLASTIC USAGE:

INSTIGATING FLOOD IN METRO MANILA

In Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Subject
Science, Technology, and Society

Submitted By:

Group 2
Heilie B. Calanoc
Keanna Cathea Corpus
Kyle Capiral
Bea Catapang
Nerissa B. Cayubit
Christian Benedict Chny

Submitted to:

Mr. Rodil Fadri

1
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. TITLE PAGE ............................................................................................................................... 1

II. TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................................................................................ 2

III. CHAPTER 1 (INTODUCTION)

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY ................................................................................ 3
LITERATURE REVIEW .............................................................................................. 4
RATIONALE OF THE STUDY ..................................................................................... 4-5
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM ............................................................................... 5
I. MAJOR ............................................................................................................. 5
II. MINOR ............................................................................................................. 5-6
THEORY ......................................................................................................................... 6
RELATED STUDIES ..................................................................................................... 6-7
REFERENCES ................................................................................................................ 8

IV. CHAPTER 2 (ACTION TAKEN)

LOCAL ARTICLES ........................................................................................................ 9

I. ACTTIONS ....................................................................................................... 9
II. RESULTS ......................................................................................................... 9
FOREIGN ARCTICLES ................................................................................................ 10
I. ACTIONS ........................................................................................................ 10
II. RESULTS ........................................................................................................ 11
SYNTHESIS .................................................................................................................. 11
REFERENCES .............................................................................................................. 12

2
 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The problem under investigation is the increasing occurrence of floods in Metro, Manila, Philippines.
In Manila, population growth and rapid urbanization have resulted in haphazard land use and planning.

Metro Manila has experienced a rising frequency and severity of floods in recent years, leading to significant
economic, social, and environmental consequences. The risk is increased by the frequent incursion of informal
settlements into flood plains. Urban planning software and geographic information systems (GIS) can help
determine flood-prone areas and manage urban growth, but their adaptation and implementation can be
inconsistent.

The flooding in Metro Manila affects millions of residents, businesses, and the government, with vulnerable
communities suffering the most. The improper disposal of solid trash, particularly plastics, in drainage systems
and rivers can impede natural water flow and make floods worse. Improved trash collection and disposal
techniques, recycling, and waste-to-energy technologies can all help to lessen the impact of garbage on
drainage systems technologically.

The study focuses on Metro Manila, the capital region of the Philippines, comprising 16 cities and one
municipality. Local populations can be encouraged to adapt to flooding and lessen its effects through
participatory approaches to disaster risk reduction and strengthening resilience. Community-based flood
monitoring and response can be assisted by mobile communication and mapping tools.

The issue of flooding in Metro Manila has been escalating for several decades, but it has become more
pronounced in recent years. It is necessary to comprehend and handle the interactions between science,
technology, and society if effective flood risk reduction solutions are to be developed for Manila. It
necessitates a multidisciplinary approach that takes into account for the problem’s social, political, economic,
and technological measurements. Collaboration between scientists, administrators, engineers, and the local
community is necessary for managing and reducing the likelihood of flooding in the city.

3
 LITERATURE REVIEW

The negative consequences of plastic trash on the ecosystem have been emphasized by numerous
research. According to Smith et al. (2019), plastic trash in aquatic habitats can obstruct natural water flow,
posing an increased risk of flooding during torrential downpours.

Less than 10% of the 400 million tons of plastic, according to the official website, are recycled, meaning the
bulk is only used once. Single-use plastic was shown to have been a major factor in the widespread flooding in
low-lying regions during Ondoy in our city, even in other areas of Metro Manila (Tharoor, 2009).

The Philippines produces a whopping 2.7 million tons of plastic waste annually, 20 percent of which is thought
to end up in the ocean (McKinsey, 2015).

The Metro Manila Development Authority notes that one of the main waste materials that contribute to canal
congestion is plastic, a non-biodegradable and widely used household item. Furthermore, according to
academic studies, one of the main causes of urban flooding is canal clogging, which is also attributed to an
area's topographical characteristics. This is because debris builds up in waterways, delaying or even stopping
the flow of water in some situations (Shwetmala et al., 2011).

High levels of plastic garbage are anticipated to be exported from land into the ocean through rivers that pass
through heavily populated urban areas, such the capital of the Philippines, Metropolitan Manila (van Emmerik
et al., 2019b; Schirinzi et al., 2020).

RATIONALE OF THE STUDY

The rapidly growing number of plastic wastes continues to pile up on the streets and waterways of
Metro Manila— causing bad air quality, harmful toxins to the ground, threaten livelihoods, and flood. One of
the contributing factors to this waste is single-use plastic, mostly found in stores. Being raised in a “sachet
economy”, products are commonly sold in individual packages because consumers perceive it as affordable,
convenient, and indispensable. Unknown to many Filipinos, their single purchase of goods or products
wrapped in plastic cause more damage to the environment and they use a staggering amount—around 164

4
million per day. Lack of effective education and implementation on proper waste disposal, segregation, and
recycling is what stop people from improving the state of the surroundings they inhabit.

With this background, the group decided to conduct a study on the impact of plastic waste awareness among
citizens of Metro Manila. Considering that these respondents have attended a seminar revolving around the
concept of waste disposal, segregation, and recycling, it is the presumption that they have knowledge about it.
It is for this very reason that this study is conducted in order to determine the specific and current level of
awareness among the respondents.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

1.2.1 Major Problem

1. Plastic usage is a major instigator of flooding in Metro Manila, causing significant damage to infrastructure,
homes, businesses, and communities.
This statement is supported by the following evidence:
 Plastic waste is often improperly disposed of in Metro Manila, ending up in drainage canals and
rivers, which can clog and prevent rainwater from flowing freely.
 Plastic waste can also contribute to flooding by blocking waterways and causing debris build-up,
making it difficult for floodwaters to recede.
 Metro Manila is a densely populated city with a high volume of plastic waste generated, which
exacerbates the problem of flooding.
 The impact of flooding in Metro Manila can be severe, causing widespread damage and
displacement.
1.2 The problem of plastic usage and flooding in Metro Manila is a serious one that needs to be addressed.
This research aims to investigate the relationship between plastic usage and flooding in Metro Manila, and to
identify potential solutions to reduce the impact of plastic pollution on flooding.
By understanding the root causes of the problem and developing effective solutions, we can help to protect
Metro Manila and its residents from the devastating effects of flooding.

1.2.2 Minor Problem

5
Manila's susceptibility to heavy rainfall and flooding is exacerbated by the excessive use and improper
disposal of plastic waste. Aside from the major problem, this is also caused by a combination of two minor
problems: inadequate waste management systems and the region's geographic vulnerability to heavy rains.
Inadequate Waste Management System
Plastic usage has become deeply embedded in the daily life of Manila, with single-use plastics being
widely used in various industries, households, and public spaces. Unfortunately, a significant amount of these
plastics ends up in rivers, canals, and drainage systems due to inadequate waste management infrastructure.
This includes insufficient trash collection and ineffective recycling facilities. Consequently, during heavy
rains, the improperly disposed plastic waste obstructs the natural flow of water in Manila's drainage systems.
This blockage hinders the efficient discharge of water into rivers or the sea, resulting in the accumulation of
rainwater throughout the city. This stagnant water increases the risk of severe flooding as it impairs the city's
drainage capacity, raises water levels, and prolongs the duration of flooding events.
Geographic Vulnerability
The severity of the problem is worsened by Manila's geographical susceptibility to heavy rainfall.
Situated in a low-lying coastal region with rivers and a vast coastline, the city is prone to elevated water levels
during rain events. This combination of excessive plastic waste and unfavorable geography amplifies the
impact of flooding and poses considerable risks to the safety and welfare of Manila's inhabitants.

THEORY

Applying the theory of Ecological Systems by Dr. Urie Bronfenbrenner is a more appropriate
framework to analyze community resilience. Within these approaches, attention has been paid to the growth of
social science study subfields such as environmental health and social movements.

RELATED STUDIES

Foreign

Plastic does not disintegrate. Most of it remains in the water, causing it to destroy its purity. Plastic
areas throughout numerous nations with middle and low incomes worsened flooding by blocking drainage
systems. It becomes clogged in sewer drainage systems, hindering water flow and causing flooding. Plastic
pollution is an evolving risk to the environment that continues to wreak harm on the world's oceans, lakes, and
rivers (STEPHANIE B. BORRELLE, 2020).

6
In the distribution and eventual disposal of plastic pollution, flood plays an important role. The increasing of
water level and flow velocity, which can either flow directly into the marine environment or be transported
through urban drainage and sewer systems (Robin Treilles, 2021). The rest of the garbage made of plastic
builds up throughout the water's system, clogging the hydraulic facilities or accumulating on riverbanks. (Tim
van Emmerik, 2019).
The accumulation of plastic blocks waterways in cities infrastructure, causing a larger and faster rise in water
level than organic material blockage (Dorien Honingh, 2020). Such obstructions increase the flooding level
and depth within the blockage locations (Tjia, 2020).
Usage of plastic is a risk and causes clogging in the drainage system and results in flooding. It can cause harm
to our environment and makes floods higher and last for days. Because plastic cannot be disposed of easily, the
plastic goes into the drainage and blocks it, causing water to not drain properly when it rains, resulting in
flooding.

Local
Numerous studies on plastic monitoring along the Philippines' coastlines have discovered plastic food
wrappers/containers, cups, and sachet wrappers as the dominant microplastic waste (Ma. Kristina O. Paler,
2019).
The underlying reasons for such discoveries are thought to be necessities and commonly used plastic types.
Sando bags, for example, were identified as the most common type of microplastics collected in rural areas
while ranking second in urban areas. This could be due to the need for sando bags in rural areas for carrying
food and other purchased items, which may not be the case in urban areas where food and other items are
closer to buyers. Living conditions and activities in cities appear to allow for easy purchases at any time and
from any location. However, because stores are spread out in rural areas, residents are likely to buy in bulk,
resulting in the use of more sando bags (Frank T. Acot, 2022).
According to the Sea Circular, along with reducing the number of fish in bodies of water, the plastic products
that are thrown into waterways aggravate Metro Manila's frequent flooding by blocking the passage of water
(Circular, 2020)
Plastics with one-time usage are prevalent in the Philippines. This is because business enterprises pack their
products in sachets in order to reach and accommodate the poor segment of the Filipino population. The main
contributory factor of Metro Manila's severe and increasing floods is the use of single-use plastic, which clogs
or blocks the city's sewage system.

7
 REFERENCES

Han, J. (2023). In the Philippines, a Nation swallowed by plastic waste. Retrieved from:
https://www.google.com.ph/amp/story/s/www.washingtonpost.com/photography/interactive/2023/philippines-
city-swallowed-by-plastic-waste/

Enerva, K. (2022). The Sachet Economy: Can we ever solve the small packet problem? Retrieved from:
https://viable.earth/packaging/the-sachet-economy-can-we-ever-solve-the-small-packet-problem/.

Verma R., Vinoda K.S., Papireddy, M. (2016). Toxic Pollutants from Plastic Waste. Retrieved from:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S187802961630158X?ref=pdf_download&fr=RR-
2&rr=80a2ee1dacecb9fc&fbclid=IwAR2hL0uZtvE28krpFtRUbruPeIW_mtIcgY3mVlrmljq18I6iwVgc78g-
iZc_aem_AaO9TcZ24MY3c7ESHrrUqH5s2poD9VcpIj1fop_7QtwhOsodA_BoaIg9BtR2AIfHHeg

Ardales, G., et al. (2014). Impacts of Floods on Public Schools in the Municipalities of Los Baños and
Bay, Laguna, Philippines. Retrieved from:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Maria-Victoria-Espaldon/publication/
320490757_IMPACTS_OF_FLOODS_ON_PUBLIC_SCHOOLS_IN_THE_MUNICIPALITIES_OF_LOS_B
ANOS_AND_BAY_LAGUNA_PHILIPPINES/links/5d7869fb4585151ee4ae00a7/IMPACTS-OF-FLOODS-
ON-PUBLIC-SCHOOLS-IN-THE-MUNICIPALITIES-OF-LOS-BANOS-AND-BAY-LAGUNA-
PHILIPPINES.pdf

Boon, H., et al. (2012). Bronfenbrenner's bioecological theory for modelling community resilience to
natural disaster. Retrieved from: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11069-011-0021-4

Treilles, R., et al. (2022). Microplastic and microfiber fluxes in the Seine River: Flood events versus dry
periods. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969721051986?via
%3Dihub

Paler, M. K., et al. (2019). Plastic waste occurrence on a beach off southwestern Luzon, Philippines.
Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0025326X19300943

Williams, L., et al. (2020). Major Storms, rising tides, and wet feet: Adapting to flood risk in the
Philippines. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212420920313121

8
 CHAPTER 2
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
(ACTION TAKEN)
This chapter presents the related literature and studies after the thorough and in-depth search done by
the researchers. This will also include a synthesis of the common and unique actions and its results to
fully comprehend the research to be conducted.

LOCAL (ACTION)

Based on the article PPA and WWF-Philippines (2022), a memorandum of understanding was signed to
achieve zero-waste operations. This implements waste reduction strategies, such as audits, segregation
facilities, reusable containers, and environmental education campaigns. Some research has also documented
that the Philippines contributes 36% of global plastic waste, with 466 rivers emitting 356,371 metric tons of
mismanaged plastic waste annually. Addressing the plastic crisis in considering factors like waste generation
and management and suggesting targeted strategies to reduce global river plastic emissions. (Manahan, 2021)
According to Cariaso (2022), Manila's flooding was attributed to canals clogged with plastic bottles, grease,
and oil. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources plans to continue the Manila Bay
rehabilitation program, including cleaning waterways, enforcing environmental laws, and relocating informal
settlers. Though Manila Bay is still polluted by various sources, with high levels of fecal coliform bacteria,
heavy metals, and plastic debris. Government and public promptly call for action to reduce waste generation,
improve sewage treatment, enforce environmental laws, and educate the public. (Santiago, 2021)

LOCAL (RESULTS)
• The DENR, the Metro Manila Development Commission, and eleven other agencies were ordered to clean up
the historic bay by the Supreme Court in 2008 in response to a civil lawsuit brought by a group of Concerned Residents of
Manila Bay. They were given ten years to complete the task.
•Human waste has long been known to be the primary source of pollution in Manila Bay, as it finds its way into
hundreds of streams, some of which join the Pasig River and others of which flow straight into the bay.

9
 •Cleaning up Manila Bay will take several years, as Secretary Cimatu noted in 2018. It will require significant
funding, which Congress must authorize. Additionally, it will require the concerted efforts of numerous national and local
government agencies, as well as private industry, civic associations, and business.

FOREIGN (ACTION)

Plastic pollution in poor urban areas increases flood risk, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, East Asia,
and South Asia, requiring urgent action to reduce pollution and improve waste management systems.
(2023) by The Guardian
 The report by Tearfund and Resource Futures recommends that governments in poor countries invest
in waste management infrastructure and develop policies to reduce plastic consumption.
 The report also calls on the private sector to design products that can be easily recycled or reused and
to reduce the use of single-use plastics.

Science of the Total Environment's 2023 article reviews microplastics in floodwaters, highlighting their
negative impacts on human health, environment, and aquatic ecosystems, and recommends mitigation
strategies.
 Governments and other stakeholders invest in research to better understand the impacts of
microplastics on human health and the environment.
 They also call for the development of new technologies to remove microplastics from floodwaters and
other environmental media.

Urban River Water Level Increase Through Plastic Waste Accumulation at a Rack Structure (2022) by
Frontiers in Environmental Science. A study in Indonesia found that plastic waste accumulation at
hydraulic infrastructures increases urban river water levels by up to 10 cm, highlighting the need for
further research and measures to reduce this issue.
 Engineers design flood control structures that can trap plastic waste.
 They also call for public education campaigns to raise awareness of the problem of plastic waste and
the importance of proper waste disposal.

Plastic waste and flood management: A review of the challenges and opportunities (2022) by Water Policy.
The article discusses the challenges and opportunities of managing plastic waste in flood management,
including its potential to block drainage systems, damage infrastructure, and transport harmful pollutants.

10
  Governments and water resource managers integrate plastic waste management into flood management
plans.
 They also call for the development of new policies and regulations to reduce plastic waste pollution
and improve waste management systems.

FOREIGN (RESULTS)

• Plastics in water systems result significantly to the problem of flooding. Due to the fact that
plastic waste is extremely persistent in the environment, it creates a significant challenge to our
ecosystem. Aside from decreasing the amount of plastic going through the ocean, cleaning up rivers
is necessary for environmental issues such as flood risks.
•According to Tearfund policy associate and senior economist Rich Gower, "the research's
goal is to give a corresponding order magnitude related to the overall number of affected individuals
who suffer from risk." This proves that plastic contamination has the greatest impact on the poorest
individuals and communities. Plastic waste has caused problems in the past, and flood risk is causing
problems now. For these communities, plastic pollution has the most detrimental effects."

SYNTHESIS

The Philippine government is taking steps to address the growing concern for the health and well-being of
Filipinos and environmental degradation. The Philippine Port Authorities have signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) with the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF)-Philippines, aiming to achieve a 50%
reduction in plastic waste leakage in major ports like Manila North Port, Port of Batangas, and Port of Cagayan
de Oro. WWF-Philippines has also partnered with the Grieg Foundation in a joint project called "Clean Ports,
Clean Oceans: Improving Port Waste Management in the Philippines."

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is also working to clean up heavily polluted
creeks flowing through primary river systems. The Climate Change Commission advocates for community-
based solutions to decrease disposable plastic use. Local organizations and government agencies are cleaning
up waterways to prevent plastic waste from reaching the oceans, but their approach and coverage differ. The
mountainous amount of garbage and plastic waste dumped on the oceans indicates the lack of effective waste
management by the government and its residents.

11
Plastic pollution is a global issue with common themes and distinctive findings. Researchers emphasize the
need for coordinated, transnational efforts to address this issue effectively. Research examines the adverse
effects of plastic waste on aquatic environments, wildlife, and ecosystems, emphasizing the negative
consequences on ecosystem health and biodiversity. The study also explores the origins of plastic pollution,
distinguishing between marine and land-based sources.
Efforts to address plastic pollution will depend on how comprehensively remedies are thought through and
implemented, considering both the common and distinctive aspects of the situation.

CONCLUSION

Plastic waste is a significant environmental issue causing flooding, particularly in poor urban areas with
inadequate flood alleviation infrastructure. Microplastics in floodwaters pose significant health and
environmental risks. Plastic waste accumulation in hydraulic infrastructures increases flood risk. To mitigate
this, individuals, businesses, and governments must work together to reduce plastic pollution and improve
waste management systems. Integrating plastic waste management into flood management plans is a key
strategy to reduce the impact of plastic waste on flooding.

12
 CHAPTER 3

Invest in the development and production of compostable bioplastics. They are a promising alternative that
can reduce the reliance on conventional plastics, which can persist in the environment for centuries and
contribute to plastic pollution in waterways and drainage systems. Thus, by supporting this, Metro Manila can
encourage the adoption of it for various applications, such as packaging and disposable items. Diversifying the
material choices to minimize the potential for plastic blockages that can exacerbate flooding.

Initiative towards the enforcement of “reuse and refill” system by major retailers and supermarkets.
Single-use sachets are sold every second and they accumulate about 80% of plastic wastes scattered throughout
the streets and clogged waterways. With the “reuse and refill” system, retailers encourage consumers to switch
to reusable containers, whether it be plastic, cloth, or glass, whenever they shop for groceries. In this system,
products are displayed in large containers and consumers get to refill to their liking, guides are also visible to
help them navigate through the store and shop effortlessly. This action aims to lessen plastic waste
consumption through minimal use of product packaging.

13
REFERENCES

Local
PPA and WWF-Philippines commit to reduce plastic wastes in three ports. (January 2022).
https://wwf.org.ph/resource-center/story-archives-2022/ppa-and-wwf-philippines-commit-to-reduce-plastic-wastes-in-three-ports/.

The Philippines contributes to over one-third of the world's ocean plastic waste - study. (2021, June 10). ABS-CBN News.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/spotlight/06/10/21/philippines-global-plastic-problem-study?fbclid=IwAR2tyBk8wF_yPt_7pbgfyEssUKK-
cAEHgZOvxW59KEuM3QYYMjCPNhLSV4w

Cariaso, B. (2022, August 12). Clogged canals cause heavy floods in Manila. The Manila Times.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/08/13/news/national/clogged-canals-cause-heavy-floods-in-manila/1854381?
fbclid=IwAR2j5mhny9rTMSdpQcBsFpx6AGsnN8f2-40CIC_x5Fru8bYrU0_CRy6YXEo

A reminder on the problem of pollution in Manila Bay. (2021, February 18). Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2021/02/18/a-
reminder-on-the-problem-of-pollution-in-manila-bay

Foreign
Plastic waste puts millions of worlds poorest at higher risk from floods (2023) by The Guardian
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/may/24/plastic-waste-puts-millions-of-worlds-poorest-at-higher-risk-from-floods

Microplastics in floodwaters: A review of occurrence, impacts, and mitigation strategies (2023) by Science of the Total
Environment
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772416622000614

Urban River Water Level Increase Through Plastic Waste Accumulation at a Rack Structure (2022) by Frontiers in
Environmental Science
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feart.2020.00028/full

Plastic waste and flood management: A review of the challenges and opportunities (2022) by Water Policy
https://wires.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/wat2.1363

Suitable Packaging: Reuse and Refill (2023), Innovation Forum,

14