LGUs and Government Agencies Unite to Tackle Water and Waste Challenges

PASAY CITY – A concerted effort between local government units (LGUs) and national government agencies is set to address the escalating issues of waste management and water security, according to a recent initiative announced at the Waste and Water Summit held at the SMX Convention Center. Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. emphasized the importance of collaboration during his keynote speech on Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the summit facilitated a platform for strengthening partnerships among the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), DILG, LGUs, and other stakeholders to confront these environmental challenges head-on. Abalos underscored the critical role of cooperation in tackling waste management and water security, urging LGUs to actively engage with the DILG and DENR for support and guidance.

The DILG Secretary highlighted the disparity among LGUs in terms of resources and capabilities, acknowledging that “not all LGUs are created equal.” He detailed a plan whereby the DENR would set cleanliness standards for communities, while the DILG would oversee compliance and reward LGUs that meet these criteria with monetary incentives. “I’ll work with the DENR on this. We’ll go to the grassroots,” Abalos stated, committing to a hands-on approach to address these issues.

The urgency of these problems is underscored by reports indicating that the Philippines generates 61,000 metric tons of garbage daily, with 20 percent originating from the National Capital Region. This contributes to an annual production of 20 to 22 million metric tons of solid waste. Abalos also pointed out the insufficient access to sanitary landfills across the country, noting that only 1,107 of the 1,634 LGUs have access to such facilities.

Adding to the environmental concerns, DENR Undersecretary Carlos Primo David revealed that approximately 40 million Filipinos lack access to formal water sources. Specific regions are disproportionately affected, with about 11 percent of Central Visayas, 14 percent of Zamboanga Peninsula, and 27 percent of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao populations in dire need of basic water services.

This initiative represents a significant step towards mitigating the environmental impact of waste and improving water security across the Philippines through collaborative efforts between government bodies at both the national and local levels.