President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr’s recent pronouncement links waste-to-energy (WtE) to flood control, implying that incinerating municipal solid waste and plastic could somehow mitigate flooding. However, flooding in the Philippines is primarily a result of poor urban planning, deforestation, clogged waterways, and inadequate drainage systems— not waste buildup alone.
A critical factor exacerbating waste and flooding issues is the continued production and use of single-use plastics. These materials dominate waste streams, clogging drainage systems and waterways, leading to severe flooding in urban areas. Rather than relying on WtE, we must shift towards reducing plastic production, promoting reuse, and phasing out single-use plastics.
At the heart of addressing this issue is ecological waste management, as envisioned in Republic Act 9003. The law mandates the segregation, collection, and disposal of waste through environmentally sound methods such as recycling, composting, and material recovery facilities (MRFs). These systems should be prioritized over incineration to create a circular economy that minimizes waste in the first place.
Notably, the Philippines generates about 61,000 million metric tons of waste daily, the majority of which could potentially be recycled or composted. However, WtE technology relies heavily on burning materials, including plastic, paper, and organic matter, which could otherwise be diverted from the waste stream through recycling and composting, clearly opposing the principles of RA 9003.
In addition to emitting harmful pollutants, which pose serious risks to both human health and the environment, WtE facilities are notorious for producing high carbon dioxide emissions, often exceeding those of coal plants. This runs counter to the goals of the Paris Agreement, where the Philippines has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.
WtE facilities cannot prevent floods caused by silted rivers or insufficient drainage infrastructure despite large budget allotments for their construction.
Recklessly thrown trash blocks the flow of water in this river in Metro Manila.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has received billions of pesos annually for flood control projects. In fact, in 2021 alone, the government allocated P101 billion to DPWH for its flood management programs. Yet, floods persist.
Where is the accountability for these funds? Where is the master plan for flood prevention and management in Metro Manila and other flood-prone localities? What tangible progress has been made in improving drainage and reinforcing our waterways? We should focus on ensuring transparency and efficacy in flood control programs, not resorting to quick fixes like WtE.
Recently, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong abandoned the implementation of Waste-to-Energy projects in the city. Mayor Magalong cited several reasons for this decision, including environmental risks and misalignment with sustainable waste management policies. The LGU concluded that WtE is not a viable long-term solution for Baguio’s waste issues and instead opted to prioritize proper waste management, consistent with RA 9003.
This move by the Mayor was motivated by concerns over public health, the emission of harmful pollutants like dioxins and furans, and the potential impact of WtE facilities on Baguio’s air quality and environment. The city also recognized that WtE contradicts zero-waste goals by encouraging the incineration of recyclable and compostable materials.
We strongly support the Baguio City LGU’s decision and hope that the national government similarly realizes that WtE is not the right solution for managing waste or addressing environmental challenges.
We call on the government to focus on ecological waste management, sustainable infrastructure improvements, and full enforcement of existing laws to truly address the country’s solid waste and flooding problems.
References:
Oregas, T., & Sarao, Z. (2024, September 25). Marcos wants immediate passage of the Waste-to-Energy bill. Inquirer.net. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/
Cariaso, B. (2023, August 6). Philippines produces 61000 million metric tons of waste daily. The Philippine Star. https://www.philstar.com/
Senate of The Philippines. (2024, July 29). Poe seeks inquiry on DPWH’s underutilized flood control budget. Senate of the Philippines 19th Congress. Retrieved September 30, 2024, from https://legacy.senate.gov.ph/
