Insider Spotlight
The initiative marks the first implementation of the program under the expanded Trash Free Pilipinas Program (TFPP), strengthening local capacity to improve ecological solid waste management.
The memorandum of agreement was signed on June 17 in Barangay Cararayan, bringing together national and local government agencies, academic institutions, community representatives, and private sector partners.
The program equips barangay officials, LGU personnel, and environmental workers with practical skills in waste planning, segregation systems, materials recovery operations, policy formulation, enterprise development, and public education.
The big picture
The initiative comes as many local government units continue to face challenges in meeting the requirements of Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, particularly in technical planning, implementation, and community engagement.
Participants will undergo classroom instruction, fieldwork, and applied training, culminating in the development of barangay solid waste management plans.
“Solid waste management should be recognized and supported like any other essential profession. Programs like this help strengthen technical capability at the barangay level while opening opportunities to skills recognition and employment,” Coca-Cola Philippines senior director for public affairs, communications and sustainability Maria Christine Ponce-Garcia said in a press statement.
Naga City was selected as the pilot site because of its established waste management initiatives and active community participation. The city is expected to serve as a reference model for other LGUs considering similar training approaches.
Why it matters
"Naga City has long been committed to responsible waste management, but we know there is always more we can do. This program strengthens the people doing the work on ground, our barangay officials, and frontline workers. It supports a more consistent and effective approach to waste management across our communities,” Naga City mayor Leni Robredo said.
Under the partnership, Tesda will oversee curriculum development, accreditation, and national institutionalization of the training program, while CASIFMAS will implement the training locally. The City Government of Naga will provide training facilities and coordinate participants, while Coca-Cola Philippines will support program development and pilot implementation.
“This is another proof of how tech-voc builds the nation, as the SWMO Level III program allows us to equip LGUs and barangays with skills that will make real environmental impact. Tesda is proud to help upgrade our solid waste management systems, which will ultimately benefit the Filipino people,” Tesda Secretary Kiko Benitez said.
The Naga rollout builds on a pilot program launched in Angono, Rizal in 2022. Tesda is now moving to institutionalize SWMO Level III as part of its national green skills and technical-vocational education offerings, supporting broader efforts to strengthen local waste management systems across the Philippines. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
