About the City
Located in Davao City del Norte, the Island Garden City of Samal is a coastal paradise composed of 46 barangays, 31 of which are coastal. Known for its tourism-driven economy, farming, and fishing, Samal is positioning itself as a "Livable and Resilient Island Garden City." However, the island faces increasing environmental pressures from tourism waste, plastic pollution, and limited waste infrastructure. The LGU is bracing for more solid wastes from the tourism sector once the Samal-Davao City Connector Bridge opens in 2028.
In 2024, the city generated nearly 49 tons of waste daily, with only modest recovery rates for recyclables and biodegradable materials. Despite ordinances banning single-use plastics and enforcing segregation, the city's CE systems remain challenged due to several weaknesses, e.g. transportation of solid waste outside the island. Samal is now embracing circular economy strategies to build inclusive, community-led solutions that protect its natural beauty while fostering sustainable livelihoods.
Opportunities
Samal's CE strategy focuses on community engagement, sustainable tourism, and organic waste valorization.
Waste-to-Resource (Organic Waste)
- Black Soldier Fly (BSF) composting systems
- Community vegetable gardens operated by GEDSI groups
- Collection and processing systems for food waste
Sustainable Tourism & Plastic Circularity
- Repair hubs and alternatives to single-use plastics
- Plastic value chain integration (collection, shredding, repurposing)
- CE branding and incentives for tourism establishments
Behavior Change & CE Education
- Youth-led CE podcasts and storytelling
- IEC campaigns on sorting, composting, and sustainable packaging
- School-based CE education and community demonstrations
Inclusive Livelihoods & GEDSI Integration
- Skills training for women, IPs, PWDs, and youth
- Formalization of informal waste workers
- Market linkages for community-operated CE enterprises
Policy & Infrastructure
- CE ordinances focused on tourism and food waste
- GHG inventory and WACS in tourism sites
Procurement of CE equipment (e.g., weigh bridges, collection vehicles)
Challenge Statements
What creative and sustainable business models can we promote in the collection and processing of used plastics for upcycling/recycling?
What innovative approaches can transform food waste into high-value products, such as biofertilizers, animal feed, or energy?
Priorities
- Develop BSF (Black Soldier Fly) composting systems and nutrient cycling models for organic waste
- Launch plastic recovery and upcycling enterprises for coastal and island communities
- Pilot small-scale recycling and repurposing equipment for local entrepreneurs
- Strengthen LGU data systems and tracking tools for waste management and EPR compliance
- Create inclusive livelihood programs that engage women, fisherfolk, and youth in waste recovery and circular production
- Introduce reverse logistics systems to support waste collection from coastal barangays