In response to the severe flooding caused by Typhoon Carina-enhanced Habagat and the massive accumulation of trash, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has proposed the incineration of solid waste in the National Capital Region (NCR).
During the Saturday News Forum, MMDA General Manager Procopio Lipana highlighted that advanced countries like Singapore, Korea, and Japan utilize incineration for waste management.
“I think it’s high time to consider incineration,” Lipana stated.
Lipana emphasized that the government should inform the public about the environmental benefits of incineration compared to improper waste disposal.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also pointed to the public’s lack of discipline in waste disposal, which exacerbates flooding. “Sana matuto naman ang tao. Huwag kayong nagtatapon ng basura dahil ‘yung basura, ‘yun ang nagbara doon sa mga pump natin kaya hindi kasing effective na puwede,” he said last Thursday.
Public Works Undersecretary Catalina Cabral mentioned that regular desilting, declogging, and clearing of drainage systems are essential measures to mitigate flooding.
Environment Undersecretary Noralene Uy attributed the massive flooding in Metro Manila to poorly planned urban development, environmental degradation, and weak governance across various sectors.