Over 300 participants from across the Philippines and from other countries like Malaysia, Japan, Wales, Germany, and Austria gathered for the 5th Philippine Solid & Hazardous Waste Management Conference / 2nd International Conference on Circular Economy-based Waste Management (PSHWM/ CEWM 2021), held virtually for the first time on December 2 and 3, 2021.
The annual PSHWM/ CEWM aims to encourage international communication, collaboration, and networking among stakeholders in a collective effort to advance knowledge and promote values, attitudes, commitment, and skills that could address the emerging issues on waste management and protection of nature. It also fosters the goal to strengthen the link between collaborative projects and applied research to back and respond to industry requirements.
Organized by the Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation (Assist), PSHWM/CEWM brings together researchers, scientists, the academe, various local government units and government agencies, non-government organizations, the civil society, and industry professionals.
Waste No More
With the theme ‘WASTE NO MORE: Embracing the Circular Economy-based Waste Management Towards a Sustainable Future,’ PSHWM/CEWM 2021 focused on insights into circular economies, case studies about the shift from a linear economy, waste management in a circular economy, cleaner technologies and business practices, bio-waste, bio-energy, waste-to-energy, and successful zero waste initiatives.
It pushes for a circular economy that promoted responsible and sustainable production in a closed-loop system wherein raw materials, components, and products lose as little value as possible; renewable energy sources are utilized; and by-product waste is significantly lowered and eventually eliminated.
The first day of the conference was comprised of keynote and plenary sessions. Loren Legarda, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and a vocal environment advocate opened the summit through her keynote messages that centered on the proposed Philippine Circular Economy Act.
The plenary speakers included Fabian Dayrit, PhD, Ateneo de Manila University professor and Vice President of National Academy of Science and Technology; Nieva Natural, Director of Agriculture, Natural Resources & Environment, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA); and Ruby de Guzman, Chief of Biomass Energy Management Division of the Department of Energy.
Breakout sessions
A total of 56 shortlisted video-essay stories comprised the breakout sessions on Day 2 of PSHWM/ CE-WM 2021.
Students and professionals who have participated in waste management programs in schools and communities submitted entries for the ‘Share Your Story: Benchmarking Solid Waste Management Initiatives’ activity, which called for entries from May to August 2021. Participants were encouraged to promote environmentally friendly habits and a sense of community through their stories that are presented in informal, fun, practical, and creative ways.
Ten of those submissions were recognized through three major categories by the Herminio S. Esguerra Excellence Awards (in its second year):
A. Young Investigator Awards
1. Float-E: Surface Water Oil-collecting Robot
Presented by: Elijah Lizares, 4th Year MEM, DLSU Manila
2. Design & Development of Biogas Pyrolysis Machine
Presented by: Engr. Ma. Elena Carag, University of Batangas
3. Optimization of Waste Leaves of Terminalia catappa I. and Swietenia macrophylla in Biocomposite Fertilizer Synthesis
Presented by: Engr. Esmael Larubis, La Salle University Ozamiz
4. Efficiency of YMO Technology Using a Novel Hyperthermophilic Aerobic Bacteria in Composting Biodegradable Waste in Davao City and Its Impact in Reducing the Emission of Greenhouse Gases
Presented by: Aimea Lumpay, Davao Thermo Biotech Corp.
B. Outstanding Presenters Awards
1. Effectiveness & Sustainability of the Zero Waste Approach in 3 Barangays in Dumaguete City
Presented by: Deniell C. Magaso, Silliman University
2. Utilization of Agricultural Waste: Tiger Grass Pollen asa Potential Construction Building Material
Presented by: Reynaldo Ramos, PhD, Romblon State University
3. Design & Development of Biogas Pyrolysis Machine
Presented by: Engr. Ma. Elena Carag, University of Batangas
C. High-Impact Project Awards
1. Interlocking Hollow Block Wall Made of Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Plastic – Sand Blends for Non-Load Bearing Wall Application
Presented by: Engr. Richard Badiola, Surigao State College of Technology
2. Efficiency of YMO Technology Using a Novel Hyperthermophilic Aerobic Bacteria in Composting Biodegradable Waste in Davao City and Its Impact in Reducing the Emission of Greenhouse Gases
Presented by: Aimea Lumpay, Davao Thermo Biotech Corp.
3. Tindermach Gasification Technology
Presented by: Alex Laguisma, Advtech Environmental Management Services, Pampanga
The Herma Group Chairman and CEO Herminio S. Esguerra
“In this program, we hope to support and inspire studies and future learnings in waste management,” said Herminio S. Esguerra, Chairman and CEO of The Herma Group, which operates the country’s biggest waste management company Cleanway Environmental Management Solutions, Inc. (CEMSI). “Through the dynamism of the academe, enlightenment, and mobilization of students, the sustained support of the government and collaboration of international organizations and the private sector, we can truly face the waste problem with greater confidence.”
“Waste no More, let us work more, strive more for the next generation of Filipinos,” Esguerra concluded.
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