In line with the Philippines’ observance of Zero Waste Month, the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) and the Ecowaste Coalition officially signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on January 3, 2025, to kick off a collaborative project aimed at improving solid waste management practices. The signing ceremony, which took place in Quezon City, marks a significant step toward advancing the country’s sustainability efforts through public-private sector partnerships.
PCAF Officer-in-Charge Deputy Executive Director Cyril Soliaban and Ecowaste Coalition National Coordinator Aileen Lucero formalized the partnership, witnessed by PCAF Partnership Development Division (PDD) Assistant Chief Conchita Del Rosario, PDD-Social Mobilization Section Chief and Capstone Project Lead Charmine Joy Esta, and Zero Waste Campaigner Jovito Benosa.
The capstone project, entitled “Improved Implementation of Proper Solid Waste Management Practices through LGU-AFC Collaboration: A Model of Stakeholder Communication and Engagement,” will be implemented in three phases. It focuses on Poblacion West, Taysan, Batangas, with the first phase already conducted from September to November 2024. The pilot phase included the development of Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC)-based IEC campaigns and capacity-building training on waste management, composting, and recycling.
The project’s second and third phases aim to ensure long-term sustainability, emphasizing behavior change, better compliance with waste segregation policies, and a marked increase in waste diversion success rates.
“This collaboration aligns perfectly with PCAF’s performance indicators and supports the Department of Agriculture’s three-year plan to expand available agri-fishery areas for increased production by improving land fertility and modernizing production systems by increasing the adoption of climate-resilient farming technologies,” said Soliaban.
“Through strategic partnerships and effective communication, we can promote sustainable practices that contribute to environmental conservation and community well-being,” he furthered.
Aside from the Ecowaste Coalition, PCAF also enlisted the support of the Department of Agriculture’s Agriculture and Fisheries Information Division and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau to develop a comprehensive communication plan and advocacy materials.
The project not only aims to build local capacity but also focuses on establishing a technical working committee to assist local government units (LGUs) in accurately recording waste data and improving waste diversion efforts. The initiative is supported by the Municipal LGU and the Municipal Agricultural and Fishery Council (MAFC) of Taysan, Batangas, who have expressed their commitment to the project’s successful implementation during a coordination meeting on September 25, 2024.
As the Philippines commemorates Zero Waste Month this January, this partnership highlights the importance of collective action and community engagement in achieving sustainable waste management practices. | Joy Camille Luza
