Global non-profit organization The Ocean Cleanup has officially reached the shores of the Philippines with its groundbreaking 30 Cities Program, marking a major milestone in the country’s fight against ocean-bound plastic pollution.

Manila joins major global cities such as Los Angeles, Mumbai, and Panama City as part of the program’s initial rollout, planned to start in 2026. The initiative will focus on the waterways that feed into the Manila Bay, wherein over 90% of collected waste from the area is reportedly composed of hard and film plastics, according to a study done by EcoWaste Coalition, KOICA, DENR, and De La Salle University-Dasmarinas.

The 30 Cities Program is an initiative to accelerate the organization’s efforts to intercept and remove ocean-bound plastic pollution across 30 key cities in Asia and the Americas, aiming to eliminate up to one-third of all plastic flowing from the world’s rivers into the ocean before the end of the decade.

The environmental organization estimates that 1,000 rivers are accountable for nearly 80% of global annual river plastic emissions, which range between 0.8 – 2.7 million metric tons per year, with small urban rivers amongst the most polluting. The remaining 20% of plastic emissions are distributed over 30,000 rivers across the globe.

According to the World Bank, the Philippines is reportedly among the top contributors of ocean plastic waste, with an estimated 0.75 million metric tons of mismanaged plastic entering the ocean every year.

Working together with government leaders, private corporations, and the scientific community, The Ocean Cleanup utilizes its portfolio of Interceptor solutions, ranging from heavy-duty trash traps to autonomous solar-powered systems that are designed to capture plastic directly from rivers before it reaches the ocean. In the Philippines, the organization has been working to set up collaborations with several national and city government agencies, the private sector, and intergovernmental organizations with the goal of kicking off its first projects this year.

COMCO Mundo begins 2026 with the official rollout of the Southeast Asia Communications Agencies Network (SEA CAN Alliance), a regional partnership of independent communications agencies working together to deliver integrated, market-driven communication programs across Southeast Asia.

SEA CAN Alliance by COMCO Mundo is built on close regional collaboration, strong local market knowledge, shared industry standards, and the flexibility needed to respond to fast-changing business and communications environments. The alliance brings together agencies that combine on-the-ground expertise with a coordinated regional approach, allowing brands and organizations to engage audiences across borders with greater clarity and relevance.

The founding members of SEA CAN Alliance include Agrakom PR (Indonesia), led by Managing Director Ms. Hana Budiono; Ink PR (Malaysia), led by Managing Director Mr. Manimaran Ambalaghan; COMCO Southeast Asia – Pilipinas, led by Vice President for Business Operations and Managing Director / Partner Ms. Rachel Syfargo; COMCO Southeast Asia – Singapore, led by Managing Director and Business Administrator / Partner Ms. Ampy Corpus; 2COMMU (Thailand), led by Managing Director Ms. Sineenart Sinchai; and Chi Communications (Vietnam), led by Managing Director and Founder Ms. Lai Thuy Chi. The alliance is led by Mr. Ferdinand L. Bondoy, Interregional President of COMCO Mundo League of Enterprises and Group Chief Executive and Head of Global & Strategic Communications, Partner and Co-Founder of COMCO Mundo.

“SEA CAN Alliance is about building a strong regional community of independent agencies,” said Bondoy, who also serves as Lead Convener of the alliance. “By connecting local expertise with regional collaboration, we can raise the standard of communications work in Southeast Asia and help agencies grow together while delivering campaigns that are grounded in authentic regional perspectives.”

Through SEA CAN Alliance, member agencies work closely across markets, combining local insights and shared capabilities to develop communication strategies that create meaningful engagement and measurable results throughout Southeast Asia and in other markets.

The alliance was formed in response to a rapidly changing communications and marketing landscape in the region, shaped by digital growth, cultural overlap, and increasing demand for people-centered storytelling. SEA CAN Alliance provides a structured platform for cross-border cooperation, allowing each agency to contribute its market strengths while navigating diverse audiences and cultural contexts.

Beyond client work, SEA CAN Alliance by COMCO Mundo also advances regional advocacy through One Southeast Asia, a communications initiative focused on regional identity, environmental sustainability, and youth participation. Working with media partners, influencers, content creators, and storytellers, the initiative highlights stories that promote unity, shared values, and appreciation for Southeast Asia’s people, environment, and emerging youth leaders. The alliance also supports programs that encourage environmental protection and active youth involvement in shaping a stronger regional identity.

As the communications industry continues to evolve, SEA CAN Alliance by COMCO Mundo demonstrates how independent agencies can achieve greater reach and impact through collaboration, shared purpose, and a unified regional voice—bringing Southeast Asian stories to a global audience.

For more information about SEA CAN Alliance by COMCO Mundo, visit https://comcomundo.com/sea-can-alliance-by-comcomundo/.

This holiday season, Samsung and Lazada are kicking off Super Brand Day 2025 with major deals from 8:00PM on November 24 to November 25. Get up to 55% off select Galaxy devices and score exclusive freebies at Samsung’s official LazMall Flagship Store.

Century Tuna, the country’s leading tuna brand, marked the third year of its Saving Our Seas campaign with its biggest environmental drive yet. In 2025, the initiative grew to six coastal sites nationwide, pushing forward the brand’s long-term commitment to marine conservation and plastic recycling.

The campaign began gaining traction earlier this year during brand ambassador Park Seo Joon’s fan meet, where supporters donated plastic bottles to help fund cleanup activities. From there, the effort expanded nationwide, bringing together communities and volunteers in a shared mission to protect Philippine seas.

Samsung has introduced the Galaxy Z Fold7, the slimmest and lightest model in its foldable lineup so far. Packed with powerful hardware, pro-grade cameras, and Galaxy AI, it’s designed to deliver a premium smartphone experience that unfolds into an immersive big-screen device for work and play. Powered by the new One UI 8, it brings smarter AI tools optimized for its unique foldable design.

“Galaxy Z Fold7 combines cutting-edge AI with our best foldable yet,” said TM Roh, President and Acting Head of Samsung’s DX Division. “It’s ultra-thin, ultra-powerful, and ultra-smart—built for people who want it all in one device.”