LIFE

Collaborative initiative promotes better cities

According to the United Nations, sustainable waste management plays a pivotal role in creating better cities and advancing key sustainability goals.

DT · May 31, 2025, 1:14 AM

(Standing) Tom Tampos Jr., environment officer Geocycle Philippines, Atty. Ruth Sybil Salvador, lawyer III DTI X, Hazel Occeña, division chief LGOO VII DILG X, Jason Jay Dalman, ORD planning unit DILG X, Dr. Rosalina Huerbana, executive director Liceo De Cagayan U and Safer River Life Saver Foundation Inc., Susan Daisy Aringo Raagas, education supervisor focal person CHED X, Dr. Pio Baconga, CPA, president PILGIM RDPO, Joel Francisco, Pollution Control officer Xavier University, Elsa May De Pedro, supervising TESDA specialist TESDA X, Maria Elvy Dominicata, SPO, Shell Pilipinas Foundation Inc. (Sitting down, from left) Engr. Bonifacio Azarcon , president Guardians of the Earth, Atty. Dionel Albina – Chancellor USPC CDO, Reynaldo Digamo – Regional Director EMB X, Ronald Gadot Sr., Assistant Regional Director DENR X, Engr. Rodante Felina, OIC Regional Director MGB X, Franklin Gumapon – Regional head PIA X).

Long-term sustainability in waste management requires excellence and sustainable financing, thus leading to better cities for all.

According to the United Nations, sustainable waste management plays a pivotal role in creating better cities and advancing key sustainAability goals. It is both an environmental imperative and an economic opportunity for a country to contribute significantly to urban sustainability and to the achievement of SDGs.

Geocycle Philippines, a part of the local waste management business of Holcim Philippines, has strengthened its commitment to environmental sustainability by joining the newly established Northern Mindanao Regional Ecology Center, a collaborative initiative that brings government agencies, industry leaders and academic institutions to enhance solid waste management in Region 10.

The NMREC was formally launched through the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement among key stakeholders, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and its affiliated agencies, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Health.

Geocycle Philippines brings its expertise in co-processing technology, a sustainable waste management solution that safely recycles industrial and municipal waste into alternative fuels and raw materials for cement production. It aims to contribute to the reduction of non-recyclable waste, the promotion of circular economy practices, and the overall improvement of ecological solid waste management.

NMREC, with support from its members, aims to advance sustainable waste management through key initiatives: Promoting alternative solutions like co-processing to reduce landfill reliance and enhance resource recovery; capacitating building and community engagement through training programs and awareness campaigns that educate stakeholders on sustainable practices; ensuring transparency and compliance.

NMREC is also working to establish a comprehensive waste management database aligned with Republic Act No. 9003 and Republic Act No. 11898, and fostering industry collaboration, strengthening ties between government, businesses, and civil society to champion a circular economy.

The Northern Mindanao Regional Ecology Center will be based at the DENR Compound in Puntod, Cagayan de Oro City. PLS