Cognizant of the need for the localities in the metropolis to move towards sustainability and circular economy, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority handed over the operations of the Mobile Materials Recovery Facility to Brgy. Bayanan, Muntinlupa City.
This step will streamline waste segregation and recycling at the barangay level and empower local communities to manage their waste more effectively, ensuring that the responsibility of solid waste management is both localized and sustainable.
The MMRF, an essential tool in the Metro Manila Flood Management Project (MMFMP) Solid Waste Management Component 2, is designed to streamline waste segregation and recycling at the barangay level. During the turnover ceremony, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed, marking the formal transfer of responsibility from MMDA to the local government unit (LGU) and Brgy. Bayanan. This MOA highlights the barangay’s commitment to uphold and operate the MMRF system, under the close monitoring and guidance of the LGU’s City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) and the MMDA Solid Waste Management Office (SWMO).
“The involvement of the residents, barangay, and local government is crucial to our waste management initiatives,” said Dir. Josias Syquimsiam Jr., Project Director of the MMDA Solid Waste Management Office. “The MMRF provides a structure to waste segregation, allowing communities to turn waste into valuable resources. This represents a shared commitment to creating a cleaner and more sustainable Metro Manila.”
Brgy. Bayanan’s adoption of the MMRF system has already led to significant achievements. Over the past two years, the barangay has collected 18,746.6 kilograms of recyclables, which were exchanged for 78,473 goods, and generated 72,154 pesos from sales to junk shops. These figures translate directly into reduced waste in landfills, cleaner streets, and a more engaged community. The barangay faced challenges such as initial resistance to the new waste segregation policies, but through continuous education and community involvement, they have successfully increased resident participation and established valuable partnerships with local recycling businesses.
Punong Barangay Engr. Jonathan “Athan” Gutierrez expressed the community’s commitment to sustaining the MMRF operations: “Our barangay is dedicated to maintaining the MMRF system and expanding our waste management efforts. With the support of our residents and the guidance of MMDA and CENRO, we can achieve even greater results in waste recovery and environmental protection.”
The turnover ceremony was attended by key officials from Brgy. Bayanan, the Muntinlupa City LGU, and MMDA. Community members also participated, demonstrating their ongoing support for the MMRF initiative. The event included the formal signing of the MOA, symbolizing the strong collaboration between MMDA and Brgy. Bayanan. This partnership is expected to serve as a model for other communities as MMDA continues to roll out the MMRF program in other areas of Metro Manila, including Lower Bicutan, Batis and Corazon de Jesus, Pio and 135, San Isidro, and Daang Bakal.
The MMDA remains committed to supporting Brgy. Bayanan as it takes full control of the MMRF operations. This ongoing collaboration will ensure that the barangay continues to benefit from technical assistance and monitoring, fostering a sustainable environment for its residents. Future turnovers in other Metro Manila areas will follow a similar approach, focusing on empowering communities to manage their waste effectively and contribute to the broader goal of waste diversion and recovery across the region.