The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has officially handed over the operations of the Mobile Materials Recovery Facility (MMRF) to Brgy. Bayanan in Muntinlupa City. This transition is a key part of MMDA’s initiative to enhance local waste management, making it more efficient and sustainable at the community level.
The MMRF, a crucial component of the Metro Manila Flood Management Project (MMFMP) Solid Waste Management Component 2, aims to improve waste segregation and recycling at the barangay level. During the turnover ceremony, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed, formalizing the transfer of responsibility from MMDA to the local government unit (LGU) and Brgy. Bayanan. The MOA outlines the barangay’s commitment to operate the MMRF system, with oversight from the LGU’s City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) and the MMDA Solid Waste Management Office (SWMO).
Dir. Josias Syquimsiam Jr., Project Director of the MMDA Solid Waste Management Office, emphasized the importance of community involvement in waste management. “The MMRF provides a framework for waste segregation, enabling communities to convert waste into valuable resources. This effort reflects our shared commitment to a cleaner and more sustainable Metro Manila.”
Since adopting the MMRF system, Brgy. Bayanan has achieved notable results. In the past two years, the barangay has collected 18,746.6 kilograms of recyclables, which were traded for 78,473 goods and generated 72,154 pesos from sales to junk shops. These achievements contribute to reduced landfill waste, cleaner streets, and increased community engagement. Despite initial resistance to new waste segregation policies, ongoing education and community involvement have led to higher participation rates and successful partnerships with local recycling businesses.
Punong Barangay Engr. Jonathan “Athan” Gutierrez affirmed the barangay’s commitment to sustaining the MMRF operations: “Our barangay is devoted to maintaining and expanding our waste management efforts. With the support of our residents and guidance from MMDA and CENRO, we are confident we can achieve even greater success in waste recovery and environmental protection.”
The turnover ceremony was attended by key officials from Brgy. Bayanan, the Muntinlupa City LGU, and MMDA, with community members showing their support for the MMRF initiative. The event highlighted the strong collaboration between MMDA and Brgy. Bayanan, setting a precedent for other communities. The MMDA plans to extend the MMRF program to additional areas in Metro Manila, including Lower Bicutan, Batis and Corazon de Jesus, Pio and 135, San Isidro, and Daang Bakal.
MMDA remains dedicated to supporting Brgy. Bayanan in managing the MMRF operations, providing ongoing technical assistance and monitoring. This collaborative approach aims to empower communities across Metro Manila to effectively manage their waste and contribute to broader goals of waste diversion and recovery.
