29/07/2026
ππ π-π‘ππ₯ ππ’π‘ππ¨ππ§π¦ πππ£π ππ‘π πππππ‘π¨π£ ππ₯ππ©π ππ‘ πππ₯ππ‘πππ¬ π£ππ¬ππ§ππ¦
QUEZON CITY, Philippines β The Environmental Management Bureau β National Capital Region (EMB-NCR), through its Solid Waste Management Section (SWMS), conducted a Communication, Education, and Public Awareness (CEPA) activity on 23 July 2026, in Barangay Payatas, District 2, Quezon City.
The program formally commenced with a welcome message from Ms. Anieflor Ullero, Senior Environmental Management Specialist (SEMS), followed by an opening message from Mr. Arnel C. Matreo, OIC Director of MEO East. He emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in promoting proper solid waste management and encouraged the active participation of the community and partner agencies in environmental protection initiatives. Messages of support were also delivered by representatives from partner agencies, including Ms. Patricia Anne Faelga of the Department of the Interior and Local Government β National Capital Region (DILG-NCR), Mr. Paul Estacio of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Mr. Eric Dumantay of the Department of Public Works and Highways β National Capital Region (DPWH-NCR), and Mr. Carlo Pasague of the Department of Health β National Capital Region (DOH-NCR). The speakers underscored the importance of strengthening partnerships among national government agencies, local government units, and communities to achieve sustainable solid waste management and environmental protection.
As part of the CEPA program, participants attended a series of informative lectures designed to enhance their understanding of key environmental issues. Engr. Jeffrey Bancifra, Senior Environmental Management Specialist, presented the "Status of Solid Waste Management in Metro Manila," providing updates on the region's current waste management situation and ongoing initiatives. This was followed by a discussion on Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, delivered by Mr. John Macu Guyala, Environmental Monitoring Officer, who emphasized the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders in implementing effective ecological solid waste management practices. The lecture series concluded with a presentation on climate change by Mr. Jan Ross B. Reyes, Environmental Management Specialist I, highlighting the vital role of proper waste management in mitigating climate change and promoting environmental sustainability.
The initiative gathered approximately 178 participants, including representatives from MMDA, DPWH-NCR, DOH-NCR, DILG-NCR, DENR MEO-East, Estero Rangers (ERs), TUPAD beneficiaries, Barangay Payatas staff members, and community volunteers. A total of 250 sacks of assorted solid waste weighing 2,021.18 kilograms were collected. The cleanup activity demonstrated the participants' commitment to environmental protection and highlighted the positive impact of coordinated actions in restoring and maintaining cleaner waterways and surrounding communities.
The successful conduct of the activity significantly enhanced participants' awareness and understanding of responsible solid waste management, environmental laws, and climate change, while translating environmental knowledge into concrete community action. Through initiatives such as CEPA and collaborative cleanup activities, EMB-NCR continues to promote environmental stewardship, strengthen partnerships with stakeholders, and encourage active public participation toward building cleaner, healthier, and more resilient communities.
