NextGen Day

MANILA – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary, Antonia Loyzaga, emphasized the importance of protecting and valuing the informal sector in the country’s solid waste management efforts.

During post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) discussions, Loyzaga highlighted the significant role of informal sector participants in the solid waste management activities of the country. Many individuals and families have lived near large landfills for generations, contributing to waste management. Loyzaga stressed that they deserve fair wages and recognition for their valuable contribution.

She also emphasized the crucial role of the private sector in the government’s solid waste management effort. Loyzaga described the effort as a multi-stakeholder, whole-of-government, and whole-of-society endeavor, particularly in addressing plastic waste.

Loyzaga cited Republic Act 11898, also known as the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022, which mandates large-scale companies to establish mechanisms for recovering their plastic packaging. Under the EPR, all producers using plastic packaging must gradually increase their collection to 80 percent over time, making them responsible for recycling and reducing plastic packaging.

However, Loyzaga acknowledged that companies and the government alone cannot collect all plastic packaging effectively, as plastic does not degrade. Thus, she stressed the need to recognize the informal waste management sector as an industry in itself.

This recognition would mean providing social protection to those involved in the sector, ensuring fair pay and occupational hazard and safety training to protect them from the hazards of their profession. Loyzaga highlighted the importance of considering the well-being and safety of these workers in solid waste management efforts.

By protecting and valuing the contributions of the informal waste management sector, the country can enhance its solid waste management efforts and foster a more sustainable environment for all.

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