Solid Waste Granulator and Brick-Making Facility Inspires Expansion
MANILA, Philippines — Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman praised the solid waste granulator and brick-making facility at the Vitas Pumping Station in Tondo, Manila, highlighting its potential to be replicated in other flood-prone areas across the Philippines. The solid waste granulator and brick-making facility promise effective waste management and flood mitigation, making it a model project worth expanding.
During a recent inspection with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Don Artes, Pangandaman emphasized the importance of adopting this project in vulnerable regions. “With this kind of project, parang maganda yata siya na i-replicate natin sa ibang lugar. Kahit hanggang Mindanao siguro, ‘di ba? Sa Bulacan, sa Pampanga, yung mga areas na madaling bahain,” she said.
Addressing Flooding Through Waste Management
The DBM chief explained that the project effectively captures solid waste, a major cause of flooding, and transforms it into valuable products. She noted, “Meron pang value added. Yung mga basura na ‘yan, sine-segregate at ginagawa nating mga bricks. Tumutulong po diyan yung mga kababaihan na workers. Ang mga TUPAD workers din po natin, nabibigyan natin ng trabaho para makapag-produce ng mga hollow blocks, mga bricks, mga charcoal, at mga pots.”
This initiative not only tackles environmental concerns but also provides employment opportunities, especially empowering women and TUPAD workers. The by-products created support local government units, reinforcing community benefits.
“Napakaganda po ng proyekto. We will endeavor po na gumawa ng mas marami pang ganito,” Pangandaman added, expressing commitment to expand similar projects nationwide.
MMDA Highlights Efficient Budget Use
MMDA Chair Don Artes expressed enthusiasm about showcasing the facility’s operations to the DBM. He stated, “Gusto naming ipakita na yung pondong ina-allocate ng DBM para sa MMDA ay ginagamit naman natin nang tama.” Artes further explained that demonstrating the actual use of funds helps assure transparency and accountability.
The project, which began in 2021 and funded by the World Bank, serves as a model for other countries. “Ito po ay shino-showcase ng World Bank sa iba’t ibang bansa para i-replicate sa Africa at yung iba pang bansa kung saan sila ay beneficiaries,” Artes said.
Project Impact and Waste Diversion
From April 2021 to June 2025, the MMDA reported accumulating 3,076 cubic meters of waste at the Vitas Pumping Station. Out of this, 1,460 cubic meters were segregated for the granulator facility, with 150 cubic meters transformed into bricks and other by-products. This conversion represents an overall diversion rate of 4.88 percent, underscoring the project’s positive environmental impact.
The success of the solid waste granulator and brick-making facility demonstrates a practical solution to flood control and waste management, setting a precedent for other flood-prone communities.
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