CONCEPT PAPER by Mark John G.

Ada

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT IN THE PHILIPPINES

Waste generation is heavily linked with urbanization, economic development, and
population growth and driven by rapid urbanization, lifestyle changes, and consumption
patterns of the people and community as well. If not mitigated, these may lead to a
compounding of problems involving leachate intrusion in potable water, change in
climate patterns, and more exposure to disaster risks. The global problem and impacts
of improper waste management is also mirrored in the Philippines and lead to the
passage of Republic Act 9003 of the Ecological Solid Waste Act of 2000.

The Act provides the necessary policy framework, institutional mechanisms and
mandate to the local government unites (LGUs) through establishing an integrated solid
waste management plans based on 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycling). It mandates all
to adopt a systematic, comprehensive and ecological solid waste management program
which shall ensure protection of public health and the environment (Sapuay, n.d.). It is
crafted in response to the looming garbage problems of the country. This policy state is
in complement with the Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code, mandates
local government units to serve as lead implementor and establishes initiatives on
waste management.

In school setting, solid waste management awareness and practices should also be
considered in school curriculum. Students must have enough knowledge in terms on
definition of solid waste, effect of improper solid waste disposal, solid waste prohibited
activities, school initiatives towards solid waste, importance of solid waste management
and students’ responsibilities. Schools and other concerned organizations, like
government agencies should conduct intense information dissemination on laws
relevant to solid waste management.

RA 9003 sets the guidelines on proper SWM among LGUs in the Philippines and aims
to protect the public health, ensures environmental sustainability and economic
efficiency. It reflects that there are several components for effective implementation. It
will consider policy gaps, unclear delineation of functions, socio-political and resource
limitations, and other issues affecting Solid Waste Management (SWM) implementation.
However, most of these factors cut-cross to several issues on its implementation.

One of the components is policy gaps and harmonization. There is a need to clarify and
address policy gaps in the implementation of RA 9003 as well as to harmonize it with
other national laws and policies. Complemented policies and mechanisms among
sectoral approach could promote more efficient SWM, that is responsive to the people
and it community.
Effective solid waste management needs whole of the government, whole of the society
approach including institutions and communities involvement. External collaborative
work, interfacing with civil society organizations and the private sectors improve LGU
access to substantial networks and assets outside government’s resources.

Enhanced policy compliance through stakeholder partnership and accountability of all

must be attained. Technology application, industry linkage, and self-sustaining solid
waste management operation shall be pursued such as state-of the art landfill facility
and solid waste management technologies. Also, there must be institutionalization for
the surrounding informal economy to be educated on waste management operations of
the community and the country in general.

In waste management, there must be Capacity Development, Social Marketing and

Advocacy. All stakeholders- government, private and even individuals play important
roles in the information and education campaign to effectively raise awareness on
environmental advocacy and motivate everyone to implement proper waste segregation
and management. All channels of communication must be capacitated in technical as
well as social values aspect.

There must be sustainable mechanism and economic opportunities especially the

affected sectors like waste pickers. There is always potential in recycling. The creation
of economic opportunities from recyclable and recycled (including compost) products
shall be realized through establishment of sustainable markets, incentives and proximity
to available and potential investors and markets. Further, financing options and
resources must be available to address the gaps needed to properly implement the
waste management plans.

Established SWM programs must not only create economic opportunities within the
neighborhood but must also facilitate venue for community involvement, building
partnerships and social capital for achieving sustainable development at the
neighbourhood level. The environmental conditions in local areas or government must
be improved through establishing appropriate waste collection and treatment methods.

Research, innovation and collaboration must also be considered. Conduct of

appropriate SWM technologies must be undertaken to know which is applicable to
address their waste management concerns. Technical guidance must be accessed
from experts. Strengthening of commitment of internal and external stakeholders must
be done to avail and consider the available resources of the community towards
management of waste.

Establishment of Institutionalized system for monitoring and compliance is indeed

necessary. Non-compliant will not be regulated and penalized. “Carrot and Stick” policy
to motivate and enforced the law. Continuous monitoring and evaluation can also help
in the improvement of process and other aspects of management.

Acknowledging good governance and documented best practices across study sites
such as waste facility transition, clustering waste management service , incentive
mechanism and partnerships with companies for revenue generation and marketing
linkages. These success templates and arrangements that could be replicated across
local government units for effective implementation of the Law.

Generally, the impacts of the Republic Act 9003 and its collaboration with the local
governments as forerunner in this fight must have high level of political commitment,
development of effective local strategies in collaborative manner, partnership building
with other stakeholders, capacity development, adequate financing and incentives, the
close monitoring and evaluation of performance and in replication of best governance
and practices.

The Law can only be effective if accompanied by strong political commitment at the
local government level by establishing supportive institutional framework as well as
ensuring political will to implement innovative, strategic programs by allocating financial
and organizational resources. Further, community participation is vital in this endeavor.
Successful IWM must have economic incentives coupled with a strict enforcement
scheme, active participation and partnership among different sectors. Technical know-
how and capacity building opportunities, research and development assistance to
advance waste management system are to be considered.