Agnes C. Rola
Social Science Division, National Academy of Science and Technology Philippines
College of Public Affairs and Development, University of the Philippines Los Baños
doi.org/10.57043/transnastphl.2019.1672
ABSTRACT
Despite the law, solid waste management (SWM) is still a challenge in the Philippines. Plastics form an increasingly significant portion of solid wastes and is a source of surface water pollution. Hence, surface water governance (such as river governance) should address plastics pollution. This paper discusses governance mechanisms to minimize solid wastes, especially plastics in surface water. Using secondary data sources, the paper discusses the trends in plastic pollution, its nature and causes; the laws on plastic pollution in the Philippines and other countries, and the challenges in the current institutional mechanisms and implementation of these laws. It describes a model of SWM at a watershed level, that can potentially sustain the SWM activities. This adaptive collaborative governance model has four components: establishing partnerships, planning strategic actions, developing the SWM plan, and implementing an investment plan. The model was tested in the Sta Cruz, Laguna River Basin, and is operational even as the academe project is completed. Lessons learned for its sustainability include the following: 1) There must be capacity building, 2) SWM should be crafted in a participatory manner, especially involving the grassroots communities, 3) Define incentives to make the collaboration active, and 4) Committed leadership in the river council was an important sustainability factor.
Email: acrola@up.edu.ph