TO address the problem of solid waste management at the grassroots level, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority held a series of seminars in Tondo, Manila to educate and empower communities on the proper handling and disposal of their garbage.
MMDA chief Romando Artes said the community-based solid waste management (SWM) seminars attended by 769 residents of 20 barangays in Vitas, Tondo taught residents about the environmental and economic benefits of proper waste management, including waste segregation, recycling, and disposal.
The seminars included hands-on activities and the use of the Mobile Materials Recovery Facility (MMRF) to demonstrate the practical benefits of SWM.
“This initiative aims to demonstrate to residents and empower barangays with the necessary knowledge on how proper waste management can be a source of economic gain, offering a real incentive for communities to adopt and sustain these practices,” Artes said.
“The solid waste management seminar exemplifies our commitment to educating and empowering communities to see the value in waste. By providing practical knowledge and showcasing real-life success stories, we aim to inspire more people to participate in sustainable waste management practices. Together, we can create a cleaner, more prosperous Metro Manila,” he added.
During one of the recent regular Mobile Materials Recovery Facility (MMRF) operations, an extensive workshop was conducted for over 50 participants coming from Barangay 154, showcasing the practical application of SWM principles.
MMDA Solid Waste Management Office chief Josias Syquimsiam Jr. said by integrating educational activities with the MMRF operations, the agency highlighted the immediate and tangible benefits of proper waste management.
The seminars also introduced some new techniques to increase the value of recyclable materials, Syquimsiam added.
“Through initiatives like the Pera Sa Basura seminar, we are not only teaching waste management techniques but also showing communities how these practices can directly benefit their daily lives. From reducing household waste to earning through recycling, we are empowering residents to take charge of their environment and be part of a larger solution for a sustainable Metro Manila,” the official said.
The SWM seminar, according to the two MMDA officials, focused on showing residents that waste materials, when properly managed, can be exchanged into valuable commodities.
Through the MMDA’s Mobile Materials Recovery Facility or MMRF, participants learned about a commodity exchange or barter system where they can exchange recyclable materials for groceries and other goods.
The point system employed by the MMRF ensures that residents receive fair compensation based on the market value of their recyclables, with an additional 25 percent added to encourage participation.
The seminar also equipped the participants with knowledge on proper handling of recyclables, including segregating and sorting the materials according to type, cleaning the recyclables, and drying them as well.
Artes earlier said the MMDA has cleaned 199,517 linear meters of drainage system from January 1 to May 12 this year, adding that in 2023, some 525, 000 linear meters of drainage system were also declogged and cleaned.
He said the MMDA has also installed 163 trash traps along waterways, including 28 in pumping stations so that garbage would not clog the waterways and the operation of the pumping stations, especially during heavy downpours.
Artes added that another 20 thrash traps are being installed.
Before the installation of the thrash traps, the agency collected around 32,000 cubic meters of garbage at its pumping stations. With the traps installed, Artes said the volume of garbage collected decreased to around 10, 000 cubic meters.
Based on data from the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC), Metro Manila generates as much as 10,000 metric tons of garbage daily.
