THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Friday held its Road to Zero Waste Expo at the MMDA Motorcycle Riding Academy in Pasig City, meant to promote a circular economy model and a cleaner metropolis.
The event aims to engage a wider range of communities and strengthen waste management systems within Metro Manila in line with the government’s program dubbed “Kalinisan sa Bagong Pilipinas”
Organized by the MMDA Solid Waste Management Office, the initiative involves enhancement of public awareness and significant increases in waste diversion rates through a series of activities aligned with the 10-Year Road to Zero Waste Program for Metro Manila.
MMDA chairman Romando Artes said the agency wants to elevate its zero waste campaign through holistic approaches to “cultivate a culture of sustainable waste management in the metropolis.”
“With the implementation of solid waste management-related interventions that the MMDA is currently pursuing in cooperation with the local government units and private sector, we will be able to achieve a cleaner Metro Manila at the soonest possible time,” Artes said.
MMDA general manager Procopio Lipana emphasized that the agency has long espoused the vision of a cleaner Metro Manila by advocating waste reduction practices.
“To reach our targets, we hope that all stakeholders work together to create a unified and functional system and infrastructures, create partnerships and match businesses, and strategize on mapping out waste diversion points with our waste recyclers,” said Lipana.
“Ultimately, only then will we be able to decrease waste volume and increase recycling from waste to valuable resources until we reach net zero.”
The Road to Zero Waste Expo, which coincides with the celebration of the Zero Waste Month, introduced the unified Materials Recovery Systems (MRS) in Metro Manila.
Several booths also showcased sustainable products, including compost or soil conditioner, cocopots, lilipots, ecobricks, compressed stabilized earth blocks, and other by-products of effective solid waste management practices.
MMDA partners expressed robust support to the Road to Zero Waste campaign. They are the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine Plastics Industry Association (PPIA), and Ecowaste Coalition.