Manila: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reported that approximately 48 percent of the 65,000 tons of waste generated daily across the Philippines ends up polluting waterways, bodies of water, and streets. In a recent television interview, DENR Undersecretary Jonas Leones highlighted the severity of the country's waste problem, noting that only about 52 percent of generated waste is collected and properly managed.
According to Philippines News Agency, Leones elaborated that the waste generation per person in the country is about 0.7 kg daily, leading to significant waste accumulation. The problem is exacerbated during the summer season when garbage remains stagnant in drainage systems and bodies of water until heavy rains wash it away, spreading pollution further. The DENR is advocating for long-term solutions, including recycling, waste reduction, private sector involvement, and exploring waste-to-energy technologies.
Leones emphasized the need for a transition from a "linear economy," where waste is discarded after use, to a "circular economy" focused on recycling and material recovery. He noted that many sanitary landfills are nearing capacity, prompting the DENR to promote integrated facilities that can recover value from waste rather than serving solely as disposal sites. The goal is to extend landfill life and reduce the volume of waste requiring disposal.
The DENR is also implementing the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law, which mandates manufacturing companies to manage the waste generated by their products, particularly plastic packaging. The agency is encouraging manufacturers to minimize plastic use to prevent further waste accumulation.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has supported the push for waste-to-energy programs, stating that collected garbage could be converted into electricity, reducing reliance on landfills. Leones highlighted that countries like Singapore and the United States effectively manage their waste through technology, an area where the Philippines needs development.
Leones also called for revisiting the Solid Waste Management Act to strengthen waste management practices. He addressed concerns about compliance with environmental laws, noting that waste-to-energy facilities are permissible if they meet emission standards, as clarified by Supreme Court rulings.
The DENR, along with the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), is discussing policy measures to advance environmentally compliant technologies. Leones stressed the importance of behavioral change in addressing the garbage problem, emphasizing that proper waste disposal habits should be instilled in children through education and environmental awareness.
