In what can be described as a boost to the local greening movement, the Philippine chapter of the Zero Waste Cities Network (ZWCN) was formally launched recently.

ZWCN-Ph unites local government officials and zero waste advocates to advance sustainable waste management nationwide. It is supported by GAIA Asia Pacific, Mother Earth Foundation, Urban Movement Innovation (UMI), and the Global Methane Hub (GMH).

ZWCN-Ph is composed of the local officials of Zero Waste Cities sites across the Philippines, including San Fernando in Pampanga, the cities of Malabon and San Juan in Metro Manila, Barangay Tanza in Navotas City, and Pilar in Bataan, along with Roxas City in Capiz, Siquijor Province and Barangay Apo Island in Dauin, and Negros Oriental.

“The Philippine Zero Waste Cities Network aims to foster a supportive community, share stories, and advocate for sustainable solutions. With emphasis on good governance, we can ensure that the rights of our communities are protected and that our environment is preserved for future generations,” said Mei-Ling Quezon, Vice Governor of Siquijor and elected chairperson of ZWCN-Ph.

The network’s president and Vice Mayor of San Fernando, Pampanga, Benedict Jasper Lagman, is inviting cities and local governments to join the initiative.

“Together, we will work  to enhance national policies for practical, equitable implementation and advocate for statutory funding to ensure all regions are on equal footing. We will share best practices and experiences to tackle environmental issues collectively, empowering communities to overcome challenges,” he said.

The launch of the Philippine network comes at a critical juncture as the country generates at least 61,000 metric tonnes of waste daily, with only a fraction of it being properly disposed of. In response to this, waste-to-energy (WtE) solutions are being proposed, despite the standing incineration ban in the country and the health risks and social and economic costs associated with these problematic technologies.

Success stories from the very communities of these leaders show that strict implementation of the country’s Ecological Solid Waste Management law and the banning of single-use plastic can drastically reduce the country’s waste problems. Places like the islands of Siquijor and Apo, and San Fernando, Pampanga, among others, demonstrate the transformative power of Zero Waste strategies.

Siquijor, the Philippines’ first Zero Waste province, has implemented innovative measures such as banning small plastic bottles and creating a glass bottle-refill system, serving as a model for other regions. Meanwhile, San Fernando has achieved a 90% diversion rate, saving valuable resources from landfills.

At their inaugural Board meeting, the network made pivotal decisions, including urging the Philippines Climate Change Commission (CCC) to integrate Zero Waste into the National Climate Action Plan (NCAP) and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), support for the Magna Carta for Waste Wokers, the institutionalization of the environment and natural resources offices (ENROs) in every local government, and calling for collaboration to develop training programs for local governments to integrate zero waste strategies into their local Climate Action Plans (CAP).

Sonia Mendoza, Chair of Mother Earth Foundation congratulated the pioneers. “Leaders from Zero Waste model communities across the country are coming together to emphasize that beyond waste management – they are building a movement. The collective effort of cities and champions gives us hope. Through their example and experience, we can mitigate the climate crisis, reduce methane emissions, and empower Philippine cities and municipalities to address environmental challenges. Embracing Zero Waste principles contributes to global sustainability goals, paving the way for resilient and thriving communities nationwide,” she said.

(PIA photo shows part of Siquijor)