Century Pacific Food Inc. (CNPF) takes steps to achieve cleaner seas with its “Saving Our Seas” campaign. In this article, we look into this initiative and how it will help the environment.

Marine pollution is currently one of the world’s biggest problems, and the Philippines is no stranger to it—considering that the country is an archipelago. Aside from how pollution worsens climate change, it also poses a serious threat to the local food industry, as around 1.1 million people in the country are engaged in fisherfolk. 

With that problem on hand, some private sectors have already implemented campaigns to eradicate marine pollution. Among the recent ones to launch their own program is Century Pacific Food Inc. (CNPF), the company behind the renowned canned brand Century Tuna. 

Since 1986, the company has taken further steps to promote the circular economy and biodiversity. This year, they launched the “Saving Our Seas (SOS)” campaign to continue with their advocacy—made this possible with the help of impact organization HOPE which implements its “Aling Tindera Waste-to-Cash Program”. 

How the Company Lifeguards the Ocean 

In July 2022, the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022 lapsed into becoming a law called RA 11898. With this law, large companies were required to implement policies for the proper management of plastic packaging waste. Thus, Century Pacific created initiatives that will comply with this law.

“The Philippines is among the top contributors of plastic waste in the world, posing a threat to communities and marine life. Conversely, this presents an opportunity to unlock value in plastic waste and prevent it from leaking into nature by incentivizing critical movers in the cycle and creating a circular economy–a win-win scenario for both people and the planet,” says CNPF’s vice president and Century Tuna general manager Carlo Endaya. 

“The Saving Our Seas Campaign goes beyond beach cleanups. It is a proactive approach to sustainability and securing future food supply by creating systemic change through partnerships and community engagement. We believe this is relevant and necessary, especially in light of the EPR law,” he adds. 

What the SOS Campaign Covers 

CNPF jumpstarted the campaign with a plastic waste collection program in Mabini, Batangas—a place known for its biodiversity and marine life. The said launch was attended by 212 volunteers, including Century Tuna ambassador Alden Richards, Century Tuna Superbods, influencers, and local volunteers. Together, they collected 805 kilograms of trash. 

To sustain the project, the company installed several plastic waste collection points in the coastal areas. There, the community members can sell the plastic trash they picked up and have it exchanged for cash. Each of these drop-off points is managed by the community’s sari-sari store owners who are part of HOPE’s Aling Tindera Program. Each of these stores is owned by women micro-entrepreneurs who will accumulate the plastic waste and ensure they are properly recycled and upcycled. 

But how will they earn? All of the accumulated plastic waste will be sold to the Plastic Credit Exchange (PCX), thus generating income for the participating store owners. PCX, in turn, will be in charge of the recycling and upcycling process. 

“We want everyone to join the Saving Our Seas campaign because we believe that plastic pollution prevention starts in our homes. Through this campaign, we hope that everyone will take advantage of our Waste-to-Cash program and fully embrace the concept of a plastic circular economy, where we ensure that no plastics will leak back [into the] open environment, as they will be recycled and disposed [of] responsibly,” Endaya says. 

What It Means For the Environment 

The company’s main objective is to collect 10 metric tons of plastic waste. What’s more, the brand aims to start other clean-up efforts, which will be held in partnership with other organizations, as well as extend its reach nationwide—not just in coastal areas. 

Should the project succeed, the company can contribute excellent protection to the seas, considering that this campaign is also in line with the product they offer. Aside from the positive impact this might bring to the environment and the local biodiversity, this will also give the company a great reputation for being mindful of the seas.