The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) distributes various tools for solid waste management (SWM) to 185 barangays in 13 local government units in Metro Manila aimed at capacitating communities on improving SWM towards cleaner waterways and safer flood management as part of the Metro Manila Flood Management Project (MMFMP)- Phase 1 through the Community-Based Solid Waste Management Program (CBSWMP).
Representatives from Barangays Hagonoy, Katuparan, New Lower Bicutan, San Miguel, Bambang, Calzada, Sta. Ana, and Wawa in Taguig as well as Barangays Martires del 96 and San Pedro in Pateros personally received the SWM tools.
Donated items include push carts, roller trash bins, raincoats, rubber boots, tongs, reflectorized vests, rubber gloves, washable face masks, metal scrapers, flat and pointed shovels, bolos with holster, scythes, brooms, dustpans, sacks, metal rakes, garbage picker steel handle, heavy-duty plastic crates, life vests, scoopers, trash traps, ropes, and three-wheel vehicles.
MMDA Chairman Don Artes said the barangays play a vital role in ensuring waterways in their communities are trash-free and can mitigate flood, as aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to strengthen flood mitigation efforts across the country.
“Through your help and with our assistance, we are hopeful that our waterways will be clean.”
“Through your help and with our assistance, we are hopeful that our waterways will be clean and that we prevent clogging of drainages to fully address flood problems in the metropolis,” Artes said during the turnover ceremony held at the Labasan Warehouse in Taguig.
Taguig City Mayor Lani Cayetano expressed her gratitude to the MMDA for always assisting the city on its flood mitigation efforts and ensuring that pumping stations in Taguig are all operational.
“You have witnessed how Taguig was before. Flooding was prevalent. We have addressed these but we are aware that we did not do it alone. MMDA is there to assist us in every step of the way. Hindi nyo po kami pinapabayaan,” Cayetano said.
Pateros Mayor Gerald German likewise extended his gratitude to the MMDA for the tools as he underscored the municipality’s efforts in addressing waste.
“We are committed to using these tools to its intended purpose alongside our systematic solid waste management efforts particularly in waste segregation.”
“We are committed to using these tools to its intended purpose alongside our systematic solid waste management efforts particularly in waste segregation,” German said.
On behalf of beneficiaries, Brgy. Katuparan, Taguig Chairman Mario Hernandez thanked the MMDA and LGUs for the distributed tools which will help in their community-based cleanups.
“These tools will be a big help in our daily clean-up drives and environmental efforts. With the support of the MMDA and our local leaders, we are more motivated to continue serving our constituents and keeping our community clean and safe,” Hernandez said.
The donation is part of implementing the second component of MMFMP-Phase 1 which zeroes in on minimizing solid waste in waterways.
Its goals are to raise awareness and promote behavioral change towards proper solid waste management, support the implementation of improved programs and activities that prevent solid waste in waterways from reaching the pumping stations; and encourage the community to actively participate in all solid waste management activities.
