DILG-NCR Regional Director Maria Lourdes Agustin and University of the Philippines Diliman Chancellor Dr. Fidel Nemenzo signed an agreement to promote an integrated solid waste information and technology management system, and the setting up of waste utilization technologies in NCR.

DILG-NCR and UP partnered for the Project IWASTO or the Integrated Waste Analysis, Survey, and Technological Options, a component of the program Integrated Mapping, Monitoring, Modelling, and Management System for Manila Bay and Linked Environments or the IM4ManilaBay, funded by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Engineering Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD).

Project IWASTO aims to assess the solid waste management activities in communities that are part of the Manila Bay watershed and set up appropriate waste utilization technologies to process biodegradable and plastic wastes in selected communities. Information regarding SWM, such as waste characteristics and available facilities, including forecasted trends will also be systemized and made available online.

The project has been granted Php10,297,174.64 as allocated in the Project Line-Item Budget.

Under the agreement signed last May 3, DILG-NCR shall assist in coordinating with LGUs, monitoring, reviewing, and evaluating waste management practices in LGUs, provide necessary information/data pertinent to the program, and assign point person/s to coordinate with the project team.

Through the UP Institute of Civil Engineering, UP shall implement the project, conduct consultation meetings with the DILG-NCR, provide updates, and assign a point person to coordinate with the DILG-NCR. #

~ PO Dette Heizel T. Granada