DOST-NCR Brings Waste Management Technology to Barangays in Muntinlupa

Issues on solid waste management, especially in urban areas such as Metro Manila, have been long-running, posing serious environmental concern that requires critical attention. Waste generation of communities is consistently growing tons by tons, every day.

This problem is what is sought to be addressed by Republic Act (RA) No. 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. Said law declares it a policy for the State to adopt a systematic, comprehensive, and ecological solid waste management program and has created a National Waste Management Commission responsible for, among others, overseeing the implementation of solid waste management plans.

True to the Department's commitment, as part of the Commission, to ensure the protection of public health and the environment, the Department of Science and Technology - National Capital Region (DOST-NCR) has sustained the implementation of projects that complement the initiatives of local government units pursuant to RA 9003.

On 24 February 2022, Regional Director Jose B. Patalinjug III led the turnover of three (3) units of the DOST-developed Dual Drum Composter to Barangays Tunasan, Poblacion, and Ayala, Alabang in Muntinlupa City. This initiative, funded under the DOST-NCR Regional Grants-In-Aid Program, is aimed at addressing the barangays' problems on increasing waste generation, which is estimated at 31.31, 68.06, and 12.64 tons per day, respectively.

The Dual Drum Composter is designed to turn biodegradable wastes into "compost" which will also help communities with their urban gardening initiatives.

Muntinlupa City Mayor Jaime Fresnedi, 1st District Congressman Ruffino Biazon, Environmental Sanitation Center (ESC) Head Ms. Lorna Misa, and the Chairpersons of the three barangays attended the said turnover ceremony.