Successful strategies to generate community involvement in solid waste management: Three case studies in the Philippines

This thesis presents three success stories in solid waste management in the Philippines which focused on approaches toward community participation. Two cases highlighted the local government efforts in the conversion of the open garbage dumpsites into a waste processing zone i.e. the Controlled Waste Disposal Facility in Payatas, Quezon City, Metro Manila, and the Eco-Waste Processing Center in Los Banos, Laguna. The other case was an information, education and communication-based project of the author in Barangay Masili, City of Calamba, also in Laguna, with emphasis on community consciousness in solid waste segregation for a cleaner environment.;Solid waste is one of the country's major issues confronting the community and the local government units. The legislation of RA 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act in 2001, addressed this phenomenon by calling for the involvement of all sectors, primarily the local authorities together with the community. This research examines the commonality and uniqueness of the strategies employed to encourage people's mobilization in managing solid waste. It was found that participation starts from a deepening awareness of people about the problems affecting them, getting involved, and becoming responsive when they understand its potential benefits. Participation is deeply anchored in political mobilization where leaders take the initiative and the will to make a difference in the community. Strong advocacy in the furtherance of community awareness and consciousness in relevant programs together with the stakeholders' partnership and networking play a very important role.