Name of Student: Grande, Bebanco, Racho, Gilbuena, Adsuara

Year and Program: BSMLS 1.1

Case Study: The Residents of Barangay Masambong vs. the Quezon

City Government and the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources

Location: Barangay Masambong, Quezon City, Philippines

Introduction:

In 2016, the residents of Barangay Masambong filed a case against the Quezon City
Government and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for failing to
address the problem of illegal dumping in the community. The residents alleged that the illegal
dumping was causing a number of environmental problems, including water pollution, air
pollution, and the proliferation of pests.

Background:

Barangay Masambong is a densely populated community located in Quezon City. The

community is home to a large number of informal settlers who live in close proximity to a creek.
The creek has been used as a dumping ground for waste from a number of sources, including
households, businesses, and construction sites.

Residents are fed up with the inaction of the officials the DENR who are responsible for
protection of the environment that leads for them to file a case against the two agencies.
Violation for their healthy and clean environment. The Barangay Masambong inhabitants won
since the court decision took 3 years. The court mandated that the DENR and the government
of Quezon City clean up the creek and stop any additional illegal dumping. The two authorities
were also ordered to compensate the residents for the harm caused by the pollution.

The case of Barangay Masambong won against the Quezon City Government and DENR. Court
orders government to clean up illegal dumping for the first time. Residents of Barangay
Masambong and Filipinos who care about the environment win big.
Conclusion:

The court found in favor of the inhabitants of Barangay Masambong in 2019. The Quezon City
Government and the DENR were ordered by the court to clean up the stream and prevent
additional illegal dumping. The court also ordered the Quezon City Government and the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources to compensate residents for environmental
problems caused by illegal dumping.

The Residents of Barangay Masambong vs. the Quezon City Government and the DENR case
is a watershed moment in Philippine history. It is the first time a court has ordered the
government to take action to combat illegal dumping.

The case aims to clarify that it’s the government responsibilities not only to protect the
environment but also its jurisdiction for the residents to have a clean surroundings. It also shows
that citizens have the authority to hold the government accountable for failing to keep its
promises.

Guide Questions:

1. What are the negative impacts of illegal dumping on the health of the residents of
Barangay Masambong?

2. What are the implications of the court's ruling for the residents of Barangay
Masambong?

3. What are the implications of the court's ruling for the Quezon City Government and the
DENR?
 References:

 Articles:
o "Residents of Barangay Masambong Sue City Government and DENR Over Illegal Dumping" by
the Philippine Daily Inquirer
o "Illegal Dumping: A Growing Problem in Barangay Masambong" by the Quezon City Chronicle
 Journals:
o "The Environmental Impact of Illegal Dumping" by the Journal of Environmental Management
o "The Health Impacts of Illegal Dumping" by the Environmental Health Perspectives
 Books:
o "The Environmental Impact of Waste" by Dr. Maria Lourdes Araneta
o "Waste Management in the Philippines" by Dr. Edgardo A. Reyes