Indigenous knowledge in the Philippines can be crucial to address plastic pollution

By Qjiel Giuliano Mikhl Zamora

I proudly identify as Ibanag or the people of the river from the Cagayan Valley of the Philippines. The health of the river is just as vital as the health of any person. 

The Philippines is one of the biggest polluters of plastics in the world and the toxins flow to our rivers. This potentially eradicates our identity as river people.

I was inspired to research about how Indigenous People globally took care of the water, and I was surprised to find out how similar our beliefs are in looking at water as a living entity. 

Armed with the knowledge of our ancestors, I received a full scholarship to pursue Global Health in Canada. I was given the invaluable opportunity to further research into microplastics and how they affect human health. 

These plastic particles are now inside our bloodstream which parallels back to why rivers are sacred because our blood does the same to bring life all over our bodies. They can cross the blood-brain barrier, testicles, heart, lungs, and even the placenta. 

Potentially, every corner of our body is polluted with microplastics and this causes great fear among our future generations.

I traveled globally from Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Italy, France and more to learn how the global community is brainstorming ways to combat microplastics. There is much more work to do. 

I am positive that if we include the voices of Indigenous People in these conversations we can safeguard not just the people but the entire planet. 

Lastly, I am fortunate to have been able to apply what I have learned globally as a newcomer in Toronto. Joining the Toronto Youth Cabinet and the Toronto Youth Food Policy Council to educate and advise the city of Toronto on how single-use plastics and microplastics toxins seep into our food.

I know the world may be harsh, which is why having been immersed on the way Indigenous People took care of these lands granted me a mindset of kindness as we continue our mission to address the global plastics crisis.