The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Nestlé Philippines have pledged to work together toward a waste-free future for Filipinos as outlined in a memorandum of agreement (MOA) that includes building a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) and educating communities on solid waste management in Caloocan City.
“As a country that prides itself in natural resources, it is imperative that we prioritize efforts that are centered on caring for our environment, not only for our families, but also for the benefit of generations to come. Our partnership with Nestlé Philippines strengthens the government’s resolve to implement programs that address proper solid waste management in order to reduce pollution for a cleaner, safer and healthier Philippines,” Secretary Roy Cimatu of the DENR stated.
Under the MOA, Nestlé Philippines will sponsor the construction of the MRF in Barangay 164 in Caloocan City. This is in line with Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, which mandates the establishment of the MRF to sort, segregate, compost and recycle wastes at the barangay level. For its part, the DENR, through its Environmental Management Bureau in the National Capital Region (EMB-NCR), will provide technical assistance needed by local government officials in the operation of the MRF.
The MRF, according to Cimatu, will enable Barangay Captain Mila Uy and her constituents to comply with government regulations for the proper disposal of wastes in their locality. They will be also able to monitor and manage the inflow and outflow of wastes more efficiently that would help decrease pollution in the country.