MMDA, DBM inspect waste-to-brick facility at Vitas Pumping Station

Officials of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) conducted a joint inspection of the Integrated Solid Waste Management Facility (ISWMF) at the Vitas Pumping Station in Manila following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to assess the status of flood control projects.

MMDA Chair Romando Artes said the inspection with DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman was meant to showcase the agency’s flood control and waste management initiatives.

“We want to show the DBM how the public funds allocated to the agency are utilized effectively for flood control projects and waste segregation and processing facilities,” Artes said during the inspection. The Vitas facility is one of MMDA’s flagship projects promoting responsible solid waste management, especially in waterways.

“Collected glass and plastic wastes, primarily from pumping stations and waterways, are processed into by-products such as eco-bricks, eco-hollow blocks, and eco-concrete barriers through the Solid Waste Granulator, Brick Making Facility, and Plastic Processing Equipment,” Artes said.

He added that the project is under Phase 1 of the Metro Manila Flood Management Project (MMFMP), which aims to improve flood control in selected areas in the capital.

Pangandaman said their visit was in line with the President’s directive to evaluate the effectiveness of flood control programs nationwide.

She praised MMDA’s implementation of the flood management project, noting that it not only mitigates flooding but also prevents garbage from clogging drainage systems.

“These kinds of projects should be replicated in other parts of the country, especially those in flood-prone areas,” Pangandaman said.

She added that the DBM will begin evaluating the accomplishments of government agencies. “As for the MMDA, their projects are tangible and can also be replicated.”

“We will conduct an inventory of all flood control projects and submit a report to the Office of the President with details on how the flood control projects can be improved,” Pangandaman said. She also urged the public to practice discipline in waste disposal.

The MMDA continues to implement various flood mitigation measures, including declogging drainages and conducting dredging and desilting operations in major waterways across Metro Manila.

“All these projects and efforts are aimed to reduce flooding and protect Metro Manila residents in line with the administration’s Bagong Pilipinas vision to address the problems of flooding,” Artes said.

Since operations began in April 2021 until June 2025, the Vitas Pumping Station has collected 3,076 cubic meters of waste. Of this, 1,460 cubic meters were segregated at the Solid Waste Granulator facility.

Out of the segregated waste, 150 cubic meters were converted into by-products by the Brick Making Facility, resulting in an overall diversion rate of 4.88 percent.