MMDA’s zero-waste program gets support from private sector

Private sector partners pledge their commitment to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s 10-year Road to Zero Waste Program at a summit at the Unilab Bayanihan Center in Pasig City on Tuesday, Nov. 5. (Jason Sigales / INQUIRER.net)

MANILA, Philippines — Over 20 organizations in the private sector and civil society pledged their support to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s (MMDA) 10-year Road to Zero Waste Program.

Companies and groups formalized their commitment at the first Road to Zero Waste Summit at the Unilab Bayanihan Center in Pasig City on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

MMDA’s program aims to advance sustainable practices in solid waste management, government procurement, and enforcement of the Ecological Solid Waste Management and Extended Producer’s Responsibility Acts, according to General Manager Procopio Lipana.

In his remarks to open the conference, MMDA Chairperson Don Artes said, “The program is designed to encompass all types of waste generated in the metropolis, focusing on innovative approaches that transform solid waste into valuable resources.”

The agency cited its 2023 analysis of waste generated in Metro Manila, which said 21.44 percent of household waste can be recycled.

“We cannot ignore the urgent need to address these waste types. If left unattended, they will continue to degrade our environment, pollute our waterways, contribute increasingly to flooding, and hinder our economic growth, ultimately impacting our economy and overall public health,” Artes added.

The MMDA chairperson recalled a large amount of solid waste clogging drainage systems during flooding caused by the onslaught of Super Typhoon Carina (International name: Gaemi) in Metro Manila last July.

READ: MMDA collects 1,513 tons of garbage after Typhoon Carina onslaught

According to data from the MMDA Solid Waste Management Information System, Metro Manila generated 2.8 million cubic meters of waste in 2023. This would be enough to fill over 1,120 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

“We need everyone’s help, the private sector and especially the communities. We need to work together, to bring about behavioral change,” Artes said in Filipino.

Representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of the Interior and Local Government voiced support for the program.

The summit features exhibits from the recycling industry to showcase products and services that local government units may adapt for their waste management programs.

It will be open at the Bayanihan Center from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6.