ONE of the country's top scuba diving sites, the Apo Island in Dauin, Negros Oriental, is intensifying its advocacy on zero waste management as it pilot tests the use of organic shampoos and body wash, lime soap bars, organic liquid laundry and dishwashing solutions to eliminate plastic waste sachets. The social enterprise is a partnership with Silver Reef Dive Resort and Plastic Life Sucks, which will supply in pump bottles refillable and biodegradable bathroom and daily washing essentials. The 74-hectare protected seascape and landscape of Apo Island was recently awarded as the first 'zero waste' barangay (village) in the Philippines because of its community-based upcycling livelihood projects. The island currently has four purok-level material recovery facilities, which integrates solid wastes into construction aggregates and resort furnishings. The zero waste and sustainable tourism advocacy is also supported by the municipal government of Dauin led by Mayor Galicano Truita. Apo Island bagged the prestigious 7th Para El Mar Awards in 2019 as the most outstanding marine protected area under the government's National Integrated Protected Areas System. It is known for its lush marine biodiversity with coral gardens, sea turtles, school of jacks and other aquatic resources.