Remulla pushes for unified regional waste management framework

Manila — Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla has advocated for legislative changes to strengthen coordination of waste management efforts nationwide, arguing that current arrangements have created inefficiencies across local government units.

During budget hearings before the House of Representatives appropriations committee on Thursday, Remulla outlined his case for amending Republic Act No. 7160, commonly known as the Local Government Code. He contended that the existing framework places waste management responsibilities primarily on individual municipalities and cities, hampering regional coordination and unified approaches to the persistent problem.

The Interior chief proposed that amendments to the law would enable the establishment of integrated waste disposal and management systems organized by region rather than individual localities. Such restructuring, he argued, could improve resource allocation, reduce duplication of efforts, and create more sustainable solutions to the country's growing solid waste challenges.

The proposal comes amid ongoing concerns about inadequate waste management infrastructure in many parts of the Philippines, particularly in provincial areas where municipalities often lack sufficient resources and expertise to operate efficient disposal systems independently.