The Department of the Interior and Local Government – National Capital Region (DILG-NCR), through its Manila Bay Conservation, Rehabilitation and Preservation Program (MBCRPP), recently organized a series of in-depth discussions focused on Material Recovery and Facility (MRF) management and the Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022. The event took place on September 27-28, 2023, at La Breza Hotel in Quezon City, bearing the theme “KAALAM: Kasama ka sa Paglinang ng Isang Maayos at Malinis na Kapaligiran”
The first day of the activity brought together Punong Barangays and Environmental Focal representatives from the seventeen (17) LGUs in NCR. The proceedings commenced with a welcome address from DILG-NCR emphasizing the significance of the event in light of the mounting solid waste issues in the country.
The discussion featured resource speakers from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau NCR (DENR-EMB NCR), in the persons of Mr. Nino Beltran and Ms. Irish Bangayan. They covered topics such as the Proper Handling of Biodegradable and Recyclable Waste at Home, in the Workplace, and in Public Spaces, as well as Waste Management Initiatives and Materials Recovery Facilities. Various aspects of waste segregation, including proper disposal, recycling, and treatment, were also addressed. Additionally, the presentations highlighted the provisions of Republic Act No. 9003 or the “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000” with a special focus on the importance of MRFs. Addressing environmental challenges, resource conservation, regulatory compliance, and sustainable waste management practices were also underscored relative to MRF.
Specific sections of RA 9003 were taken up, which cover the evaluation of alternative roles for public and private sector entities in waste collection services and the significance of waste segregation at the source. Key points such as the establishment of MRFs by LGUs, the scope of MRFs in handling segregated materials, support from LGUs, funding mechanisms, and the active participation of barangays and local communities in the establishment of MRFs were also discussed.
During the second part of day one, Mr. Melnes Garcia from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) discussed and demonstrated Community-Based Composting using the Takakura Composting Method. He explained the concept of source segregation and waste composition by major types, highlighting the importance of efficient waste management practices.
On the second day, City Environment & Natural Resources Office (CENRO) and Solid Waste Focal representatives from every LGU in NCR gathered. Ms. Fatima B. Estayo-Millan of DENR-EMB served as the resource person, leading discussions on global plastic waste trends, the substantial rise in plastic waste, and concerning statistics related to waste generation and disposal in the Philippines. She also provided insights into the Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022.