The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), through its Metro Manila Flood Management Project (MMFMP), continues to advance community-based solid waste management (SWM) efforts by conducting a series of educational seminars focused on proper waste management practices.
These seminars aim to inform and empower communities about the environmental and economic benefits of proper SWM techniques, such as waste segregation, recycling, recovery, and disposal. By equipping residents and barangays with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective waste management, the initiative highlights how these practices can generate economic opportunities, providing real incentives for sustainable implementation.
In a recent session held in conjunction with the Mobile Materials Recovery Facility (MMRF) operations, over 50 participants from Barangay 154 received hands-on training on SWM principles. The seminar demonstrated the immediate benefits of proper waste handling and introduced new techniques to enhance the value of recyclable materials. By integrating education with practical application, the MMDA emphasized how solid waste management can be both environmentally and economically rewarding.
Since the program’s launch on July 17, 2024, a total of 769 residents from 20 barangays in Vitas have participated, reflecting a growing interest in sustainable waste management practices within the community.
“The Solid Waste Management seminar showcases our dedication to empowering communities by illustrating the value in waste. Through practical knowledge and real-life examples, we hope to inspire more residents to adopt sustainable waste management practices. Together, we can build a cleaner and more prosperous Metro Manila,” said MMDA Chairman Romando Artes.
MMDA SWMO Director Josias E. Syquimsiam, Jr. added, “Through initiatives like the ‘Pera Sa Basura’ seminar, we are not only teaching waste management techniques but also demonstrating how these practices can improve daily life. From reducing household waste to earning income through recycling, we are helping communities take control of their environment and contribute to a sustainable future for Metro Manila.”
Highlighting Benefits and Community Impact
The SWM seminars also focus on showing residents that properly managed waste can become valuable commodities. Using the MMDA’s Mobile Materials Recovery Facility (MMRF), participants learned about a “commodity exchange or barter system” where they can trade recyclable materials for groceries and other goods. The point system used by the MMRF ensures that residents are fairly compensated for their recyclables, with an additional 25% incentive to encourage participation.
Participants were also trained on proper recyclable handling, including sorting materials by type, cleaning, and drying them. Accepted materials included plastics, glass bottles, paper, metals, and electronic waste.
Through this initiative, the MMDA continues to foster community engagement, offering practical solutions that benefit both residents and the environment.
Engaging Activities and Hands-On Learning
To reinforce the practical aspects of waste management, the seminar featured interactive activities such as “Segre-game Time” and “Role-Trash Trivia.”
Key activities throughout the day included:
● SWM Talks: Attendees learned about the financial incentives of SWM, including how to earn money by segregating and recycling waste. Experts shared their knowledge on starting businesses using recycled materials.
● Segre-game Time: An interactive game where participants shot blocks with images of solid wastes into the corresponding trash bins labeled by type. Successful players received special prizes, reinforcing the importance of proper waste segregation.
● Role-Trash Trivia: Participants spun a roulette and answered questions about waste management. Correct answers were rewarded with prizes, making the learning process fun and engaging.
These games were designed not only to educate but also to reward participants with prizes, demonstrating the immediate advantages of proper waste segregation. By providing a hands-on experience using the Mobile Materials Recovery Facility (MMRF) system, residents were able to apply what they learned in a practical setting, turning theory into action.
Community Commitment and Future Plans
The seminar also created a platform for community leaders to affirm their commitment to sustaining MMRF operations. Barangay officials from the participating areas shared their plans to continue educating residents on the economic and environmental benefits of proper waste management. They emphasized the importance of maintaining these practices to ensure long-term sustainability and community welfare.
Mary Grace Capulong, Barangay Secretary of Barangay 154, Manila, shared, “Our community has come to understand that waste is not just garbage, but a resource that can be transformed into something valuable. The MMRF seminar has shown us the many benefits that proper waste management can bring, and we are committed to upholding these practices for the long-term good of our residents.”
The MMDA and Metro Manila Flood Management Project (MMFMP) remain dedicated to expanding these efforts, with additional seminars planned for other barangays. These initiatives aim to further inspire residents to join the program, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and prosperous Metro Manila.
