By Yra Suarin
As Dumaguete City returns to its usual pace, traces of the May 2025 elections remain. Weeks ago, everywhere you look—from walls to poles—posters with candidates’ faces and names still flood every corner. And this happens not only in Dumaguete, but also in other communities all over the Philippines.
Environmental concerns have already been raised, citing the negative and long-term impact of these campaign materials, particularly those made from tarpaulin and plastics.
DAKILA – Dumaguete Collective, a youth-led alliance of artists and advocates in Negros Oriental, has voiced concern over the environmental impact of campaign waste. President John Tubil explained that election seasons lead to an increase in non-biodegradable waste from campaign materials and highlighted its environmental impact.
He noted that the Philippines lacks a clear standard for waste management, which worsens during election season.
“Most campaign materials aren’t disposed of properly and end up clogging our rivers and spreading microplastics,” he said.
Sharing the same concern, environmentalist Jayce Entea expressed his concern regarding the growing number of posters from running candidates.
“Will there be people responsible for taking the posters down or will they just litter our streets? It’s not like the posters are made of paper. It’s actual plastic that’s bad for the environment,” he said.
Locally, residents of Dumaguete City have noticed campaign posters plastered in busy areas, sparking discussions about responsible campaigning.
For Ralph Reyes, a resident living near Barangay Taclobo, the buildup of posters has significantly impacted the visibility of public spaces and transportation areas.
“Nuisance siya for me labi nag i paste siya sa mga areas nga need og visibility and naay uban posters nga makaharang og view sa mga padulong nga public transportation like bus stops. Isa sad, hugaw siya tan-awon nga bisan aha nalang naka balandra,” he said.
(It’s a nuisance for me, especially when they’re [posters] pasted in areas that require visibility. Some even block the view of oncoming public transportation like the ones at bus stops. Also, they just look messy, scattered everywhere.)
Silliman University Student Government (SUSG) Environment Committee Chairperson Luke Laurenciana stated that early campaign postings are harmful to the environment and give wealthier candidates an early edge.
He said that it is sad and unfair because it “gives candidates with more resources an early advantage, allowing them to dominate public spaces and influence voters before others even have a chance to begin their campaigns.”
Proposed Solutions
While the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has repeatedly urged candidates to conduct proper disposal of materials and promote eco-friendly campaigns, compliance appears inconsistent.
In a statement, COMELEC Chairman George Garcia announced the creation of the Committee on Environmental Sustainable Elections—an initiative aimed at promoting greener campaign practices across the country.
However, Tubil emphasized that the environmental issue extends beyond the visible waste left behind.
“And even when they [COMELEC] do somehow take them all down and collect them, the creation of plastic in the amount that is used is still absurd and we don’t have the capabilities to properly dispose of them. The creation of them in the first place was already harmful,” he added
Kirsten Ampalaya, a student living near Barangay Daro, noted the need for candidates to be more conscious of the materials they use during their campaigns.
“When it comes to campaigning, all of their materials will be made in bulk. Therefore, being mindful about it, just like making sure that it’s sustainable, will be really helpful to the community or to the environment as a whole,” she said.
Moreover, others share the same perspective. Laurenciana pointed out that managing campaign materials responsibly reflects a candidate’s integrity and regard for public spaces.
He added, “Regulating campaign materials and ensuring proper cleanup isn’t just good for the environment, it also shows a commitment to the values candidates claim to uphold.”
Meanwhile, some are also pushing for concrete solutions. Tubil recommended a policy to reduce the environmental footprint of election campaigns.
“Banning the use of tarpaulins and other non-compostable materials should be implemented immediately. This unnecessary production of harm to our environment and eventually to our people goes against the whole point of the election, which is to serve the people,” he said.
