Project IWASTO joined the environmental campaign of its umbrella program, the IM4ManilaBay Program, on April 16.
Titled “Manila Bay Conversations: Initial Findings and Assessment from the IM4ManilaBay Program”, the webinar presented the initial outputs of the Integrated Mapping, Monitoring, Modelling, and Management System for Manila Bay and Linked Environments (IM4ManilaBay) Program.
Project IWASTO presented the result of its review of solid waste management policies, along with information gathered from the numerous focus group discussions done with local government units (LGUs), barangay officials, residents, and non-government organizations (NGOs). “We came to understand that sustainable solid waste management is attainable through the collaboration of stakeholders from various sectors,” the project said in a statement.
Prof. Maria Antonia Tanchuling, Project Leader of IWASTO, concluded the discussion by stating that the project IWASTO is developing a database for SWM facilities, continuing consultations with relevant national government agencies (NGAs), and ensuring the sustainability of its outputs. “Kailangan naming malatag nang maayos ang imprastraktura na magagamit for sustainability purposes. Ayaw naming na ito ang isang proyekto lamang na kapag tapos na kami, tapos na ang funding ng DOST, in two years wala nang users at [tinabi] nalang ang nagawa namin” (We want to lay out the infrastructure that would be used [taking into mind its sustainability]. We don’t want that when this project ends, when the funding from DOST ends, our outputs will just be shelved.) Prof. Tanchuling said.
IWASTO’s presentation ended on a note that their efforts will continue, and coordination with NGAs will be sustained.
The IM4ManilaBay webinar was not only filled with presentations from the component projects but was also graced by the opening remarks of its guests from government offices: DOST Secretary Sec. Fortunato de la Peña, Ms. Aleya Carmela Arca of the DILG Manila Bay Clean-up, Rehabilitation, and Preservation Program, and Mayor Vico Sotto of Pasig City LGU. Engr. Ces Abad from Project IWASTO served as its emcee.
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| Engr. Ces Abad of IWASTO (left), and Mayor Vico Sotto of Pasig City (right) |
Call for Support
DOST Sec. de la Peña, one of the distinguished guests, reiterated his call for public support to the research and development efforts of the country’s researchers from higher education institutes.
“In the coming years, we will further strengthen our efforts to reduce environmental pollution and provide greater access to clean and safe water by generating environmentally sound game-changing technologies and policies. We encourage our researchers, policymakers, key stakeholders, and the general public to support and implement these kinds of initiatives and projects which are aimed at achieving the sustainable development goals through innovative and integrated solutions,” he said in a message to participants.
The webinar was concluded with a message from Dr. Eric Paringit of the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) and is the current funding agency of the IM4ManilaBay Program. The program is implemented by units under the College of Engineering, University of the Philippines – Diliman.
