Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability - IDIS

09/05/2026

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 | IDIS stands with Greenpeace Southeast Asia and all environmental defenders fighting for a safe, healthy, and sustainable future. We call for the immediate release of detained activists and urge leaders to reduce plastic production, hold polluters accountable, and protect communities and ecosystems across Southeast Asia.

Read the manifesto below.

09/05/2026

IPEN Southeast and East Asia and participating organizations in the region, support the joint statement of more than 80 organizations across Southeast Asia in time for the ASEAN meetings in Cebu City, Philippines.

Together, civil society groups are calling attention to the urgent need for systemic regional action to address plastic pollution, toxic waste, and their impacts on people and the planet.

Read the statement on the IPEN website:
https://ipen.org/publication/confronting-the-plastic-and-waste-crises-in-southeast-asia/

Also posted here: https://www.greenpeace.org/southeastasia/press/68416/confronting-the-plastic-and-waste-crises-in-southeast-asia-systemic-drivers-impacts-and-policy-imperatives/

Support the statement by signing here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeTq-a0wXxQIEaGLVhZkmhCFYvq1ZEIkliq6iKNB4TO64GRXw/viewform

07/05/2026

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 | The Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS) conducted a Waste Assessment and Brand Audit (WABA) at Dawis Baywalk Park in Digos City as part of its continuing efforts to address plastic pollution and promote environmental accountability. The activity gathered data on the types of residual waste commonly found in the area and identified the companies associated with the collected branded waste materials.

Participating in the activity were student interns from the University of Southeastern Philippines (USeP) Mintal Campus, Cotabato Foundation College of Science and Technology, and Davao del Sur State College. Through the WABA, participants were able to gain firsthand experience in waste characterization, segregation, and data gathering while strengthening awareness on the growing problem of plastic pollution and improper waste disposal.

Based on the audit results, Philippine Spring Water Resources, Inc. ranked as the top company identified in the collected waste with 80 pieces recorded, followed by Coca-Cola Company with 73 pieces and Universal Robina Corporation with 57 pieces. Other companies identified during the audit included Tanduay Distillers, Inc., San Miguel Food and Beverage, Inc., Republic Biscuit Corporation, Nestlé Philippines, Inc., Pepsi-Cola Products Philippines, Inc., Yakult Honsha Co., Ltd., and JBC Food Corporation.

The Waste Assessment and Brand Audit also documented different categories of residual waste collected during the activity. Results showed a total of 729 plastic wastes gathered, followed by 181 plastic labels, 146 food packaging materials, 88 cigarette butts, and 67 bottle caps, highlighting the prevalence of single-use plastics and other residual waste commonly found in coastal and public areas.

01/05/2026

On Labor Day, we recognize the essential role of workers whose labor sustains both communities and the environment.

Farmers remain at the forefront of ensuring food security, working through changing climate conditions while gradually adopting more sustainable and resilient farming practices. Their work goes beyond production, it contributes to soil health, water conservation, and the long-term viability of local food systems.

In the uplands, Bantay Bukid Volunteers continue to carry out critical on-the-ground efforts to protect forests and watersheds. Through regular foot patrolling, monitoring, and community-based stewardship, they help safeguard natural resources that many communities depend on.

Together, their work reflects a strong link between labor, environmental protection, and community well-being. It highlights that sustainability is not a one-time effort, but a continuous process carried by people on the ground.

Mabuhay ang mga manggagawang Pilipino! 🌱

28/04/2026

Another thematic session during the IPEN Southeast and East Asia Regional Meeting in Palawan, Philippines, highlighted Citizen Science in Action.

This session, facilitated by Dr. Michelle Nhat Ly Reyes (Health Care Without Harm Southeast Asia), highlighted how citizen science strengthens community-led environmental monitoring and advocacy. The session featured Dr. Deo Florence Onda (UP Marine Science Institute), Dr. Geminn Louis Apostol (Ateneo Center for Research and Innovation), Poyeon Kim (Wonjin Institute for Occupational and Environmental Health), and Mark Peñalver (Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability - IDIS).

The session emphasized how citizen-generated data empowers communities to participate in environmental and health monitoring and strengthen advocacy. It highlighted practical experiences in mobilizing students, families, and communities as citizen scientists and underscored collaboration across academia, civil society, and grassroots groups as key to co-producing knowledge and advancing environmental and health actions.

28/04/2026

𝗟𝗢𝗢𝗞 | A waste assessment conducted along Blok Creek, City of Koronadal, revealed the continued presence of single-use plastics in local waterways, underscoring the need for stronger waste reduction and management efforts. The activity was carried out through a Waste Assessment and Brand Audit (WABA) led by Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability in partnership with the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, combining waste characterization and brand identification to better understand both the volume and sources of pollution.

Results showed that sachets for snacks and packaged food were the most common waste type, with around 22 items recorded despite many being fragmented. This was followed by plastic bottled water waste (18), paper cups (9), dairy product sachets (7), and tobacco-related waste (6). The data highlights the persistence of low-value, non-recyclable plastics that often end up in waterways like Blok Creek.

In terms of brands, Nature Spring topped the list with 18 items, followed by Universal Robina Corporation (13), Nestlé ( 8 ), Rebisco (7), and PMFTC Inc. (6). These findings reflect the ongoing challenge of managing plastic packaging waste, particularly sachets, which are widely used but difficult to recover and recycle.

Through WABA, IDIS continues to support evidence-based environmental action by providing data that can inform local policies and encourage corporate accountability. The collaboration with Koronadal City ENRO highlights the importance of local government leadership in addressing plastic pollution, emphasizing that long-term solutions must focus on reducing waste at its source rather than relying on cleanup efforts alone.

27/04/2026

The thematic session on International Environmental Policy Instruments: Updates, Challenges, and Opportunities at the IPEN Southeast and East Asia Regional Meeting in Palawan, Philippines, last April 18-19, 2026, brought together IPEN POs to explore how global environmental agreements can support local, national, and regional advocacy.

Moderated by Atty. Mark Peñalver (Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability - IDIS), the session featured global updates and IPEN's ongoing engagement in international policy processes and how these instruments can be used to strengthen environmental and health advocacy from Sara Broschè (IPEN: for a toxics-free future) and a panel of representatives from Basel Action Network, EARTH Thailand, Thant Myanmar, and Shenzhen Zero Waste (China).

The discussion highlighted practical experiences and challenges in engaging governments, promoting strong science, improving policy implementation, and continuing advocacy for public participation in environmental decision-making.

Overall, the session reinforced the importance of international environmental policy instruments as tools for advocacy and stressed the need for continued cooperation and public engagement to translate global commitments into local action.

23/04/2026

𝗠𝗚𝗔 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗞, 𝗕𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗟 𝗡𝗔 𝗦𝗔 𝗦𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗟? 🌴♻️

A big step forward for the Island Garden City of Samal as it strengthens its commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable island.

Guided by the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 and its Environmental Code of 2018 (City Ordinance No. 2018-293), the city now regulates selected single-use plastics and styrofoam — protecting both the environment and public health while shaping a more responsible tourism landscape.

Here’s what’s covered:

🚫 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗛𝗜𝗕𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗗
• Plastic sando bags (except “labo bags” for wet goods)
• Plastic cups, straws, and utensils
• Styrofoam food packaging
• Sale and distribution of these items

✅ 𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗢𝗪𝗘𝗗
• Paper bags
• Eco bags / reusable bags
• Reusable containers
• Customer-provided packaging

‼️ 𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦 (for business establishments)
• 1st offense: ₱500
• 2nd offense: ₱1,000
• 3rd offense: ₱1,500 and/or up to 6 months imprisonment

This move reflects the growing momentum of local governments taking action against single-use plastics.

𝗠𝗚𝗔 𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗞 𝗕𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗟 𝗡𝗔 𝗦𝗔 𝗦𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗟?

In line with the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003) and the Samal Island Environmental Code of 2018 (City Ordinance No. 2018-293), the use of certain SINGLE-USE PLASTICS and STYROFOAM is 𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗨𝗟𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗗 to reduce pollution and safeguard public health.

𝙋𝙍𝙊𝙃𝙄𝘽𝙄𝙏𝙀𝘿 🚫

❌ Plastic Sando Bags (Single-Use Plastic)
- Not allowed for packaging dry and wet goods
Exception: "Labo bags" are allowed for wet goods (fish, meat, etc.)

❌ Plastic Cups, Straws, and Utensils
- It includes single-use plastics such as: Plastic cups, Plastic straws, Plastic spoons and forks

❌ Styrofoam Food Packaging
- Prohibited for Food (Fruits and Vegetables)

❌ Distribution or Sale of Prohibited Plastics
- Business establishments are not allowed to provide or sell

𝘼𝙇𝙇𝙊𝙒𝙀𝘿 ✅
- Paper Bags
- Eco Bags
- Reusable Bags
- Reusable Containers
- Customer Provided Packaging

‼️ 𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦 ‼️
(Applicable to Business Establishments ONLY)

1st Offense: P500.00
2nd Offense: P1,000.00
3rd Offense: P1,500.00 and/or not more than 6 months Imprisonment

22/04/2026

Today is more than a celebration, it’s a reminder of our shared responsibility: to protect, restore, and sustain the environment we all depend on.

We, at Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS), Earth Day lives in everyday action -- through tree growing and forest protection with our Bantay Bukid Volunteers, pushing for policies, advocating for a circular economy, and empowering communities to take part in climate action.

Because caring for the Earth isn’t a one-day commitment. It’s a responsibility we carry daily, for our forests, our water, and the future we’re shaping together.

Padayon para sa kinaiyahan. 🌱

20/04/2026

𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗯𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗱𝗮𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗥 𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗿, 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗷! 💚

Your commitment to people, purpose, and process keeps the IDIS family grounded and growing stronger every day. Thank you for being the bridge that connects passion with purpose. Wishing you a year filled with fulfillment, balance, and well-deserved moments of joy!

17/04/2026

𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗 | As Waste-to-Energy (WtE) incineration is introduced into discussions on Davao City’s waste management, it is crucial to examine its effectiveness, long-term impacts, and compatibility with sustainable waste management approaches. These frequently asked questions (FAQs) highlight key concerns and considerations in assessing whether WtE is a truly appropriate and sustainable solution.

Read the answers below. ⬇️