The first interceptor barrier in the Manila Bay region to be operational by May 2026

Global non-profit organization, Ocean Cleanup, reinforces its commitment to mitigating ocean-bound plastic waste as it sets the deployment of a new interceptor barrier in the Meycauayan tributary by the end of May 2026. 

This follows the recent announcement of interceptor deployment in the entire Manila Bay region, as part of Ocean Cleanup’s global initiative, the 30 Cities Program, which aims to accelerate efforts to intercept and remove ocean-bound plastic pollution.

In partnership with the City of Meycauayan and supported by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), this new interceptor will replace an existing trash trap and enhance plastic waste interception capacity before it reaches Manila Bay.

The significant advancement will enable the capture of the projected 370 to 540 tonnes of annual emissions in the Meycauayan River system.

“This milestone helps us bring one step closer to building tangible solutions toward cleaner rivers and healthier communities in the Philippines. We are excited to collaborate with the LGU of Meycauayan, where commitment and leadership play a vital role in mitigating ocean-bound plastic waste pollution,” said Boyan Slat, Founder and CEO, The Ocean Cleanup.

Henry R. Villarica, Mayor of Meycauayan, added: “In a timely and necessary step forward, our city is proud to formalize a partnership with The Ocean Cleanup to support the rehabilitation of the Meycauayan River. Our work has never stopped, and this collaboration strengthens our capacity to accelerate meaningful, lasting change. We are fully committed to doing everything in our power to rehabilitate our river for the health, dignity, and future of our community.”

Each year, an estimated 20 to 30 kilotonnes of plastic waste enter the ocean from the Philippines. According to the Smart River Survey, emissions are projected at 3.5 to 5 kilotonnes annually within the Manila Metropolitan area alone, a clear indication of the challenge and the need for urgent solutions.

Rivers are a major source of plastic waste in the oceans, with 1000 of the three million rivers around the world responsible for 80% of the problem, according to Ocean Cleanup. To address this, the organization deploys interceptor solutions in rivers, working with local waste systems to stop plastic before it reaches the sea.

This initiative also underscores The Ocean Cleanup’s expanding network of partnerships, bringing together key stakeholders such as the Embassy of the Philippines in the Netherlands and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Philippines, alongside Energies PH and marine renewable energy advisors. The partners collectively work hand in hand with The Ocean Cleanup toward mitigating ocean-bound plastic in the Philippines.

This project is poised to grow even further as The Ocean Cleanup deepens its partnerships with the Meycauayan LGU, other local government units, and organizations in the country to go beyond interceptor deployment and drive further awareness and research initiatives.

To find out more about The Ocean Cleanup, visit theoceancleanup.com.