Tagbilaran City, Bohol — The Provincial Government of Bohol has partnered with the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UP MSI) and Bohol Island State University (BISU) to strengthen efforts against plastic pollution through a citizen science mobile application.
The partnership was formalized through a memorandum of agreement signed in Tagbilaran City. The initiative aims to combine scientific research, digital technology, and community participation to improve environmental protection across the province.
Residents Can Help Monitor Plastic Waste
Under the agreement, Bohol will adopt the PlastiZen Basura Patroller mobile application as an environmental monitoring tool.
The app allows residents to anonymously upload geotagged photos of plastic waste found in their communities. The collected data will help local officials identify pollution hotspots, improve waste management, and develop science-based environmental policies.
The Bohol Provincial Environment Management Office (BPEMO) will lead the implementation of the program and work with local governments, schools, and national agencies to encourage more residents to use the application.
Supporting Conservation and Sustainable Development
The project also supports Bohol's commitment to environmental conservation as a UNESCO Global Geopark. By using real-time information gathered from local communities, the province hopes to better protect its coastal, marine, and land ecosystems while promoting sustainable development.
Addressing the Country's Plastic Waste Problem
The initiative comes as the Philippines continues to face challenges in managing plastic waste. According to the 2025 Plastic Overshoot Day Report, the country is expected to generate 1.51 million tons of plastic waste this year, with more than half projected to be improperly managed.
Through the PlastiZen Basura Patroller app, Bohol aims to involve residents in environmental monitoring while providing government agencies with reliable data to support cleaner communities and reduce plastic pollution.
