The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is pioneering sustainable waste management and flood control through its Tapayan Pumping Station, a facility dedicated to transforming water hyacinths—a major cause of waterway blockages—into charcoal briquettes and eco-friendly pots (lilipots) for community use.
Tackling Waterway Blockages
Water hyacinths grow rapidly and clog Metro Manila’s drainage systems, worsening floods and reducing water flow efficiency. At the Tapayan River, one of MMDA’s key pumping stations, these invasive plants form thick mats, restricting water movement and increasing flood risks.
“Water hyacinths significantly reduce the capacity of waterways, making flood control a bigger challenge,” said Engineer John Chrisler Lucero of the MMDA Metro Manila Flood Management Project (MMFMP) – Project Management Office (PMO). “By processing these plants, we not only clear our waterways but also turn them into useful products, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.”
Turning Waste into Valuable Products
At Tapayan Pumping Station, water hyacinths are collected and repurposed into two key products:
✅ Charcoal Briquettes – The dried plants are carbonized, mixed with soil and water, and shaped into briquettes, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional charcoal.
✅ Lily Pots (Lilipots) – Using a hydraulic press, dried hyacinths are molded into plant pots, reinforced with a binder for durability.
Unlike conventional disposal methods that contribute to landfill waste, this initiative reduces greenhouse gas emissions by diverting water hyacinths from dumpsites. “By repurposing these plants, we promote a circular economy and minimize environmental harm,” added Engineer Lucero.
Community Engagement Through “Palit-Kalakal” Initiatives
MMDA encourages public participation through its “Palit-Kalakal” program, allowing residents to exchange recyclable materials like plastic and glass for charcoal briquettes and lilipots. This initiative not only promotes proper waste segregation but also provides economic benefits to communities.
“Small actions can lead to meaningful change,” said Engineer Lucero. “These programs encourage individuals to take part in sustainable practices while gaining valuable products in return.”
Impact and Future Goals
As of February 2025, MMDA has successfully recovered 19,881 kilograms of water hyacinths, leading to the production of 4,506 charcoal briquettes and 226 lilipots.
Beyond processing waste, MMDA also educates communities about the connection between waste disposal and flooding, empowering residents to take proactive roles in environmental sustainability.
Looking ahead, MMDA plans to establish more materials recovery facilities to further its zero-waste vision and expand these initiatives across Metro Manila.
With the Tapayan Pumping Station at the forefront, MMDA continues to drive innovative solutions for a cleaner, greener, and more flood-resilient future.
