oeoo in the Philippines - 2026 - One Earth

From Proof of Concept to Scalable Maritime Waste Solutions in Manila Bay

Since 2021, oeoo Manila has utilized its initial operations in Manila Bay as a successful Proof of Concept to demonstrate the viability of solar-powered maritime waste programs. The “Dugong” (known locally as “Dugong”) has been operational since mid-2022. This phase was critical in refining the system and establishing local networks. At the end of 2025, the phase of upscaling and system integration officially began.

Strategic Focus & Institutional Ties

Our mission is not defined solely by the quantity of waste collected. We invest at least half of our time and resources into scientific research and environmental education. A milestone of this commitment is the co-developed environmental educational toolkit, officially endorsed by the Department of Education (DepEd), for which oeoo was the primary thought-giver.

To ensure scientific grounding, we work closely with the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute and the DENR. oeoo drives institutional change to ensure maritime waste solutions are firmly embedded within the national EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) strategy. Furthermore, oeoo Manila maintains independent partnerships with the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine National Police Maritime Group.

The Role of PTC

As we transition into this next chapter, Philippine Transmarine Carriers (PTC) plays a pivotal role. As the “unsung heroes” behind the scenes, their logistical expertise and unwavering support maintain our professional standards. An new formal Memorandum of Agreement has further solidified this partnership, ensuring our science-led model is scaled through one of the Philippines’ most respected maritime leaders.

Measurable Impact & Achievements

Operational Impact: Over the past three years, oeoo has supported or organized over 100 major coastal cleanup events, collecting up to 4 tonnes of marine litter per day in Manila Bay.

Manual Recovery Impact: A key milestone was achieved during an initiative with Siemens Gamesa, mobilizing 7 traditional Bankas and the Bulungan fishing community. They recovered 33.6 tonnes of waste over 7 days from the Parañaque River and LPPCHEA mangroves.

Education & Awareness: Thousands of students and hundreds of teachers have been reached through educational initiatives. Extensive media engagement has brought the issue of marine litter to the forefront for millions of people.

Disaster Response & Resilience: In response to the MT Princess Empress oil spill, oeoo provided specialized wax-wool designed to adsorb 6.5 times its own weight in oil, empowering local communities to mitigate long-term environmental damage.

A Story of “Hope”: Today we celebrate a powerful story of transformation. A former deckhand on international fishing vessels, who spent years earning survival wages and facing pressure to dispose of waste overboard, now stands as the captain of our flagship. His journey to a motivating wage and meaningful work is a testament to dignity, opportunity, and hope within the OEOO family.

Project Investment

The total investment for the Dugong project exceeds 100 Million PHP to date (approx. 1M EUR for manufacturing and 0.5M EUR for running costs over 3–4 years). A major portion of this was funded solely by oeoo.