Manila, Philippines — The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS), along with key stakeholders, have come together in a landmark Round Table Discussion as part of the “Road to Zero Waste” program last August 2, 2024. This visionary initiative marks a pivotal step towards transforming Metro Manila’s waste management system, ushering in an era of circular economy and sustainable practices.
The event, held at the MMDA headquarters, brought together prominent figures from both the public and private sectors, including MMDA leaders and representatives from various waste categories such as residual, food, glass, paper, and plastic waste. PARMS was honored to be a part of this groundbreaking discussion, which aligns perfectly with our mission to achieve zero waste to nature and foster environmental sustainability.
Building a Collaborative Framework for Sustainability
In his opening remarks, Usec. Procopio Lipana, General Manager of MMDA, underscored the urgency of enhancing Metro Manila’s waste management practices.
“Segregation is key,” he stated, highlighting the essential role of collective action in transitioning from a linear to a circular economy.
He also introduced the upcoming Zero Waste Expo and Summit, scheduled for November 2024, as a cornerstone event to accelerate this transition. This summit will serve as a catalyst for change, fostering collaboration through business matching, promoting recycled products, showcasing technology innovations, and exchanging best practices across industries.
Architect Ruth Equipaje, a renowned Sustainable Urban Development and Environmental Planner, presented MMDA’s comprehensive 10-Year Road to Zero Waste Program, designed to minimize waste disposal and maximize recycling efforts.
This program is not just a plan but a call to action, involving partnerships between cities, the business sector, and communities. It promises to revolutionize the way we manage waste, ensuring a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations.
A key component of this initiative is the partnership between MMDA and local government units (LGUs), such as the ongoing collaboration with 270 barangays situated near waterways and pumping stations. This partnership seeks to enhance waste collection practices and prevent solid waste from obstructing water stations and clogging waterways.
“We need the help of recyclers; let us find ways to bring these waste materials to you,” emphasized Usec. Procopio Lipana, General Manager of MMDA. These kinds of dialogues allow the MMDA to deep dive into the recycling situation, helping them optimize collection operations by identifying partners capable of accepting various materials. Mr. Rene Jay Calzada, Project Manager of MMDA, said, “These collaborations are essential for building a more efficient and effective waste management system. We are thankful to have this opportunity.”
Resource and Market Mapping: A Strategic Step Forward
The Resource and Market Mapping activity was a significant highlight of the Round Table Discussion. Facilitated by Atty. Nina Gonzales, Assistant General Manager for Planning, this activity aimed to collect essential data about the recycling industry and assess the resources and potential linkages to Metro Manila communities. Participants were grouped according to waste categories—residual, food, glass, paper, and plastic—to map out the flow of materials from source to market.
This activity provided a comprehensive understanding of the material sources, by-products, market beneficiaries, and potential gaps in the waste management chain. By identifying these key elements, stakeholders can develop targeted strategies to enhance waste collection and recycling processes. This comprehensive exercise provided valuable insights into the current waste management landscape and identified opportunities for collaboration and innovation. The results highlighted the need for improved linkages between communities and recycling facilities, as well as the potential for expanding markets for recycled materials.
Empowering Communities and Innovating Solutions
The MMDA’s Road to Zero Waste Program is designed to empower communities and the informal waste sector by providing them with the necessary tools, resources, and partnerships to participate actively in waste management. This initiative not only enhances the livelihoods of those involved but also promotes sustainable practices and innovative solutions that contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable environment
PARMS and its members stand to gain substantial benefits from this collaborative endeavor. By engaging in the MMDA’s Road to Zero Waste, our members companies will gain unparalleled access to networking opportunities, business development avenues, and even valuable market insights. This platform enables us to showcase our commitment to sustainability effectively.
Jonathan Co from Sentinel Upcycling highlighted several key strategies during the discussion to address challenges like the adoption of recycled products and incentivizing manufacturers. He emphasized that these challenges can be overcome through collective efforts and innovative solutions. The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law plays a crucial role in this process by promoting the traceability of consumer waste. This law ensures transparency and accountability in recycling efforts by providing verifiable data on the journey of recycled materials from their source to new products.
Mr. Co emphasized that round table discussions and similar initiatives are crucial for fostering collaboration and partnerships, bringing together diverse stakeholders to work towards shared environmental objectives. He also noted that the Zero Waste Expo and Summit will be instrumental in promoting their recycled products and expanding their reach in the market as well as providing a venue for educating the public on effective waste management strategies.
A Vision for a Circular Economy
Laarni Salanga from Urban Poor Associates shared inspiring insights into the role of community-led initiatives, such as the Baseco Recycling Advocate and Vanguards for the Environment (BRAVE) Material Recovery Facility. These initiatives not only divert waste from landfills but also create green jobs and empower local communities.
By replicating such models nationwide, we can establish a robust network of waste collectors and recyclers, driving the circular economy forward. Crucially, these efforts underscore the importance of segregation at the source, which is vital for optimizing recycling processes and ensuring high-quality materials.
Rommel Dino of San Miguel Yamamura Packaging Corp. highlighted the untapped potential of glass recycling and the need for mass information campaigns to raise awareness about the recyclability of glass. Segregating glass from other waste streams is essential for efficient recycling, reducing contamination, and enhancing the quality of recycled glass products.
Dia Aguisanda from Geocycle, the global waste management arm of Holcim, also emphasized the importance of segregation and the role of co-processing in managing residual waste. By effectively separating different types of waste, we can improve recycling rates and minimize the volume of residual waste sent to landfills. This practice is crucial for the success of a circular economy, as it maximizes resource recovery and minimizes environmental impact.
PARMS’ Commitment to a Sustainable Future
PARMS is committed to leveraging this collaboration to enhance the waste management landscape in Metro Manila. By aligning with the MMDA’s initiatives, we are not only contributing to environmental protection but also paving the way for a sustainable future where resources are maximized, and waste is minimized.
The Round Table Discussion underscored the importance of collaboration and strategic partnerships in achieving a circular economy. By leveraging the strengths of diverse stakeholders, from private companies to community organizations, we can develop innovative solutions that address the challenges of waste management.
We call upon all stakeholders, from businesses to community organizations, to join us in this journey. Together, we can create a world where waste is seen not as a problem but as an opportunity for innovation and growth.
Looking Ahead: Path to Zero Waste
As we move forward, PARMS will continue to advocate for policies and practices that support the circular economy, creating a clear path towards our Zero Waste to Nature roadmap and strategies. We believe that through education, collaboration, and innovation, we can transform Metro Manila into a model of sustainability that inspires the nation and the world.
For more information about PARMS and our initiatives, please visit www.parms.com.ph.
About PARMS
The Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS) is a leading multi-stakeholder organization dedicated to promoting sustainable production and consumption. We strive to achieve zero waste to nature by fostering collaboration among businesses, government, and communities to create a sustainable future for all.
Together, we are forging a path to a sustainable, waste-free Metro Manila, proving that with collaboration and commitment, anything is possible. Join us in this endeavor, and let’s make a difference today for a better tomorrow.
Written by:
Zed Avecilla, EPR Program Director of the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS)
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