The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) successfully hosted the Road to Zero Waste Expo: Clean Metro Manila event today (January 24), bringing together various stakeholders, environmental advocates, LGUs, students, media and public civilians to amplify waste management efforts across the metropolis.
Held at the MMDA-GSIS Motorcycle Riding Academy in Pasig City, the event highlighted the critical role of education and community engagement in addressing the pressing issue of solid waste pollution. In his opening remarks, MMDA General Manager Procopio G. Lipana presented staggering statistics on Metro Manila’s waste situation, reporting that approximately 11,000 kg of waste are generated every day, with 12 to 17 truckloads of waste debris collected after the most recent state of calamity.
He added that in 2025, the projected waste generation rate is expected to reach 13,310,622 kg per day (equivalent to the weight of 66,553 adult elephants!), or a staggering 4,668,592 tons per year. However, GM Lipana also clarified that the goal of a Zero waste Metro Manila doesn’t mean creating no trash at all—it means ensuring that all waste is recycled, reused, or composted so nothing ends up in landfills or incinerators.
The Power of Education in Waste Management
One of the most notable takeaways from the event was the high level of curiosity and engagement from the students who attended the expo. Their interest in activities such as composting demonstrations, solid waste management games, and the showcase of upcycled products reflected their willingness to adopt eco-friendly habits. The event provided a valuable platform to educate the youth about the impact of waste and how they can actively contribute to the zero-waste movement.
A major highlight of the event was the launch of EcoBulilits, MMDA’s newest educational program designed to teach children about proper waste management through interactive and engaging activities.
This initiative aims to instill the values of recycling and sustainability from a young age, ensuring that the next generation grows up with a deeper understanding of environmental stewardship.
Engaging Stakeholders for a Sustainable Future
The event saw active participation from members of key organizations such as PARMS or the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability, Sentinel Upcycling, and WASTO PH Solutions, who showcased their efforts in sustainable waste management practices.
Rina Papio (Chief Soilmate) of Green Space held a short workshop on how to use Bokashi for food waste composting. Which I appreciate because did you know that 50% of all solid waste in landfills is actually food waste? So in essence, once we solve the problem of food waste, then we already solved 50% of the solid waste disposal.
Several cooperatives representing various Local Government Units (LGUs), including Parañaque, Manila, Malabon, Las Piñas, Valenzuela, Pasig, and Quezon City, also joined the event. They sold upcycled items such as plastic bayongs, tote bags, and soil conditioners made from trash like plastic sachets, foil wrappers, PET bottles collected by their members in their respective baranggays.
One of the most captivating displays came from Barangay Batasan Hills, which showcased an impressive collection of paper mache art inspired by African designs but infused with distinct Filipino cultural elements such as balut vending, fishing, and taho selling. Their work beautifully captured local traditions in an artistic and sustainable way. I was particularly drawn to the balut vendor sculpture, which I purchased for only ₱180.
Looking Ahead for Solid Waste Management in Metro Manila
With the enthusiastic participation of students, cooperatives, and environmental organizations, the MMDA Zero Waste Month 2025 event reinforced the importance of education, community involvement, and sustainable practices in achieving the ambitious goals of Metro Manila’s 10-Year Road to Zero Waste Program.
By continuing to engage and educate the public—especially the youth—Metro Manila moves closer to a future where waste is no longer seen as trash, but as a valuable resource that can be repurposed and reused for a cleaner, greener tomorrow.
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