Saving the Earth through STI: DOST Transforms Waste into Sustainable Community Gains 

Every April 22, Earth Day serves as a global call to action, raising awareness about urgent environmental issues. This year, the focus shifts to one of the most pressing challenges: waste management.   

With urban growth and rising consumption, waste generation in the Philippines has escalated rapidly with 61,000 metric tons of waste daily (The Philippine Star, 2023). In response, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is redefining how people should see waste—not as a problem, but as an opportunity for positive transformation through innovation and community engagement, anchored on science and technology.    

DOST’s Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program promotes sustainable waste management, introducing advanced technologies and creating livelihood opportunities through upcycling. In the CAMANAVA area (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, and Valenzuela), technologies developed by the DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI) such as the Dual Drum Composter, Bioreactor Composting Technology, and Biogas Digester are being utilized to transform biodegradable waste into valuable soil conditioners for urban gardening and farming. These science-based interventions not only help reduce landfill waste but also create income-generating opportunities for local communities.   

In Barangay Potrero, Malabon, 80% to 90% of collected biodegradable waste is now being efficiently converted into soil conditioner using a Bioreactor Composter Machine. This has significantly reduced landfill contributions and supported local greening efforts.   

Since the start of its operations with the DOST-developed Bioreactor Composting Technology, Barangay Balangkas in Valenzuela City has converted a total of 354,817 kilograms of waste, averaging 4,435 kilograms per month, and generated ₱305,318.00 in income for the period 2017 to August 2022.   

In Barangay Ugong, Valenzuela, the Bioreactor Composting Technology produces 100 to 250 kilograms of soil conditioner per cycle, providing the community with an income ranging from ₱4,000.00 to ₱11,000.00 monthly.   

Innovative practices are also being implemented in Barangay Tagalag, Valenzuela, where residents exchange compost for recyclable materials such as plastic bottles, thus encouraging circular waste management and boosting community involvement of its residents.   

Meanwhile, Barangay Tanza 1 in Navotas has successfully utilized a Biogas Digester, converting 640 kilograms of biodegradable waste into biogas from 2021 to 2024. This initiative has allowed the community to save approximately ₱12,000.00 in gasoline costs.    

These success stories reflect the growing role of science-based interventions in fostering environmental sustainability, enhancing community livelihood, and promoting innovative waste management practices at the grassroots level in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), aside from strengthening local resilience, and driving long-term sustainability.   

Through science, technology, innovation, and community involvement, DOST continues to support building sustainable, empowered communities—making every day, not just Earth Day, a step towards greener and smarter communities.   

By: Khryz Angela Gerian, CAMANAVA Cluster