The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA),  through the Metro Manila Flood Management Project (MMFMP), continues to drive community-based solid waste management (SWM) initiatives by conducting its SWM seminar series.

This seminar aims to educate and empower communities about the environmental impact and benefits of proper solid waste management (SWM) practices, like waste segregation at source and storage, recovery and recycling, and disposal. This initiative targets to demonstrate to residents and empower barangays with the necessary knowledge on how proper waste management can be a source of economic gain, offering a real incentive for communities to adopt and sustain these practices.

During one of the recent regular Mobile Materials Recovery Facility (MMRF) operations, an extensive workshop was conducted for over 50 participants coming from Barangay 154, showcasing the practical application of SWM principles. By integrating educational activities with the MMRF operations, the MMDA highlighted the immediate and tangible benefits of proper waste management. The seminar also introduced some new techniques to increase the value of recyclable materials.

Since July 17, 2024, 769 residents from  20 barangays in Vitas have already participated, reflecting the growing community interest and engagement in sustainable waste management practices.

“The Solid Waste Management seminar exemplifies our commitment to educating and empowering communities to see the value in waste. By providing practical knowledge and showcasing real-life success stories, we aim to inspire more people to participate in sustainable waste management practices. Together, we can create a cleaner, more prosperous Metro Manila,” concluded MMDA Chairman Romando Artes.

“Through initiatives like the Pera Sa Basura seminar, we are not only teaching waste management techniques but also showing communities how these practices can directly benefit their daily lives. From reducing household waste to earning through recycling, we are empowering residents to take charge of their environment and be part of a larger solution for a sustainable Metro Manila,” added MMDA SWMO Director Josias E. Syquimsiam, Jr.

Highlighting the Benefits and Community Impact

The SWM seminar focuses on showing residents that waste materials, when properly managed, can be exchanged into valuable commodities. Through the MMDA’s Mobile Materials Recovery Facility (MMRF), participants learned about a “commodity exchange or barter system” where they can exchange recyclable materials for groceries and other goods. The point system employed by the MMRF ensures that residents receive fair compensation based on the market value of their recyclables, with an additional 25% added to encourage participation.

The seminar also equipped the participants with knowledge on proper handling of recyclables, including segregating and sorting the materials according to type, cleaning the recyclables, and drying them as well. Types of recyclables included plastics, glass bottles, papers, metals and electronic waste.

“Engaged Learning: Community members actively participate during the Pera Sa Basura seminar, interacting with the speaker as they discuss the benefits of recycling and proper waste management, aimed at fostering environmental responsibility and sustainable practices.”

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, further illustrating the immediate benefits of proper waste segregation. The hands-on experience of using the MMRF system allowed residents to directly apply what they learned, turning theory into practice.

Community Commitment and Future Plans

The seminar also served as a platform for community leaders to express their commitment to sustaining the MMRF operations. Barangay officials from the participating barangays continue to share their plans of educating residents about the economic and environmental benefits of proper waste management. They also highlighted the importance of maintaining these practices to ensure long-term sustainability and community well-being.

Mary Grace Capulong, Barangay Secretary from Barangay 154, Manila stated, “Our community has embraced the idea that waste is not just trash but a resource that can be converted into something valuable. The MMRF seminar has opened our eyes to the advantages that proper waste management can offer, and we are committed to maintaining these practices for the long-term benefit of our residents.”

The MMDA and MMFMP remain committed to continuing these efforts, with upcoming seminars scheduled for other barangays, which will further encourage residents to participate in the program, helping to build a more sustainable and prosperous Metro Manila.