20/05/2026
GAIA Asia Pacific team together with its members Ecowaste Coalition Health Care Without Harm Southeast Asia Greenpeace Philippines joined the National Anti-Poverty Commission’s learning session on Waste-to-Energy (WTE) for Metro Manila Council Members, held on May 19 at the Parish of the Risen Christ in Tondo, Manila, Philippines. The venue is located just across the proposed Smokey Mountain WTE site.
In the Philippines, the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) serves as the government’s coordinating and advisory body for the country’s social reform and poverty alleviation agenda. Through this learning session, NAPC created an important space for council members, basic sector representatives, partner communities, and civil society groups to discuss the social, environmental, and economic impacts of WTE projects.
The dialogue was especially important for waste workers and frontline communities, who are often left out of decisions that directly affect their health, livelihoods, and environment.
With NAPC and basic sector representatives engaging more deeply on the issue, there is growing recognition that WTE is not just a waste or energy concern. They expressed concern that WTE projects would economically displace urban poor waste workers from their livelihoods.
Through the dialogue, led by Chinito Reel Casicas of Youth for Better Baseco, council members and partner communities surfaced grassroots perspectives, explored community-led alternatives, and discussed policy recommendations that can be elevated to regional and national platforms.
Communities closest to proposed WTE facilities must be heard, protected, and meaningfully included in decisions that affect their lives.
Photo Credit: Reboot Philippines
