In the picturesque province of Bohol, amid turquoise waters and lush landscapes, an unstoppable force of nature is driving a powerful movement towards a plastic-free future.
Meet Jammy Ungab, the fearless eco-warrior who has ignited a wildfire of change with her grassroots movement, “Plastic Free Bohol.” With unwavering passion and a deep love for nature, Jammy has taken on the daunting challenge of battling plastic pollution head-on. Her remarkable journey, from organizing beach clean-ups to demanding corporate accountability, has had a profound impact on Bohol’s landscape and its people.
A desire to be the solution
Hailing from the picturesque province of Bohol, Jammy introduced herself as the driving force behind “Plastic Free Bohol.” Founded in 2016, this impactful grassroots movement has set out on a mission to combat plastic pollution and promote sustainable practices in the region. But Jammy’s contributions extend beyond just this movement. She is also a member of the Bohol Climate Walkers, an organization that raised awareness about climate change and advocated for clean energy in Bohol by embarking on a 100-kilometer walk from Tagbilaran City to Anda in 2015.
When asked about her motivation to start “Plastic Free Bohol,” Jammy expressed her deep love for nature and animals, which stirred a sense of responsibility within her to protect them. Plastic pollution emerged as a significant threat to the environment and marine life, and Jammy couldn’t stand idly by. She took the initiative to found the organization to actively contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable world for future generations.
Since its inception, “Plastic Free Bohol” has witnessed remarkable impact. Local establishments have taken substantial steps in discontinuing single-use plastic items like straws and food containers. Municipalities have also embraced the cause by implementing bans on plastic bags.
While celebrating the successes, Jammy acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in addressing pollution from top corporate polluters. The fight against single-use plastics requires collective efforts, and “Plastic Free Bohol” continues to demand accountability from these corporations.
A unique response to the pandemic, typhoon
Amid the Covid-19 pandemic’s economic impact, “Plastic Free Bohol” extended its reach to help the affected communities. Through a fundraising campaign and generous support from friends in Europe, Jammy and her team conducted 26 weeks of zero-waste food relief operations and established a community pantry. These initiatives not only provided immediate aid but also showcased the organization’s commitment to sustainable practices, even during challenging times.
In the aftermath of typhoon Odette, “Plastic Free Bohol” didn’t just provide short-term relief. Instead, they adopted an island and focused on sustainable solutions for the affected community. By providing more than 30 fishing boats to fishermen on Maomawan Island, Bohol, they helped these communities rebuild their lives and livelihoods, demonstrating the long-term impact of their efforts.