8 Guimaras integrated solid waste management

project (GISWM), the Philippines

Project
Objectives:
A solid waste management system (SWM) was
implemented in the mid 1990’s to reduce solid waste
through building government-community partnerships

Results:
Increased awareness and participation in local
governance processes within the community.
Improved information sharing with the national
government and private sector. This fostered
transparency and accountability in local government
priority setting, budgeting, and service delivery
Formation of good relationships between the
government and community groups, through the creation of task forces
Successful implementation of demonstration projects resulted in the reduction of solid waste and a shift in
environmental behaviour

Participating organizations
Implemented by local governments in Guimaras with assistance from the Canadian Urban Institute (CUI), in
collaboration with various stakeholders and communities.

Background of the community

The Island of Guimaras south of Manila has a population of 140,000 spread over 96 villages. Agricultural products
include mangos, cashews, coconuts, corn, rice, and citrus fruits. Secondary economic activities include industrial lime
mining, soap manufacturing, small-scale handicraft, fishing, and aquaculture.

Environmental issues
The growth in population, urbanization, economic activities and consumerism, has generated increased waste,
especially in urban centers. This has become a major environmental concern throughout the Philippines.

Approaches toward community innovation

Strong partnership between the local government and the community through multi-stakeholder task forces
coordinating solid waste management activities
Using set criteria through small scale SWM demonstration projects, to promote competition among community,
government and private organizations in developing proposals
Trainers providing lectures and successful experiences to other communities
Increased awareness of community members and their participation in local governance processes
Technical and facilitative role played by an external organization

Elements of innovativeness
Leadership
The first governor of Guimaras launched a development agenda containing a participatory planning approach and a
capacity development programme for provincial and municipal civil servants and elected officials. Issues of
environmental management and sustainability, including solid waste management, were addressed in the agenda.

The second governor created a shift from planning to implementation. Cooperation with international donors and
multi-stakeholders was maintained, creating innovative partnerships between local government, civil society, and the
private sector.
Multi-stakeholder partnerships
The Local Government Code mandates the involvement of NGOs and civil society groups in the formulation and
implementation of development activities.

The GISWM project is planned and implemented through a Provincial Implementation Task Force (PITF) and five
Municipal Implementation Task Forces (MITFs) representing the national and provincial government, local
government units, NGOs, the private sector and civil society groups. The activities range from waste stream
assessment, studying locations for solid waste landfills, community awareness and education campaigns, to
designing and launching solid waste demonstration projects and project monitoring systems.

The formation of the PITF and five MITFs have defied the traditional notion that managing solid waste is mainly a
government responsibility. In actual fact, the task force mechanisms have enabled government-community
partnerships and a joint platform for responsibility.

Involvement of an external facilitating organization

The CUI played a key role in mobilizing local government units and community groups, and providing technical
assistance during the implementation of the GISWM project.

Barriers to innovation
The lack of resources, personnel and funds, has hampered the partnership process and hindered the enthusiasm and
participation among community groups involved in project activities. Government representatives are overloaded with
additional work related to solid waste project activities.

Factors contributing to sustainability

Institutionalizing multi-stakeholder task forces has improved the acknowledgement of project results.

PITF and MITF members are accepted as members of Municipal and Provincial Solid Waste Management Boards,
created under the national law on ecological waste management.

Experiences and knowledge are transferred by educating residents in other provinces.

Economically viable projects have created livelihoods and employment.

Jordan Elementary School pupils using compost in

gardening projects
Source: Canadian Urban Institute