INTERIOR and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla has renewed his call for a unified and systematic waste control system among local government units (LGUs) to address persistent flooding worsened by climate change.
Speaking at the Post-State of the Nation Address (Sona) discussion on Environmental Protection and Disaster Risk Reduction on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, Remulla highlighted the decades-long lack of cohesive solid waste management planning, particularly in Metro Manila, which has significantly contributed to clogged waterways and massive flooding.
He said small municipalities often lack space for dumpsites, while larger cities face issues with improper waste disposal overflow.
“Dapat may systematic approach na east, west, north, and south sa buong Metro Manila, [dapat] meron na tayong integrated waste management systems na maservice ang buong city,” Remulla said.
(There should be a systematic approach covering east, west, north, and south Metro Manila. We must have integrated waste management systems that can serve the entire city.)
Remulla also raised the need to amend Republic Act 7160, or the Local Government Code of 1991, which delegates waste disposal as a municipal concern, limiting comprehensive planning across cities and provinces.
While this is being addressed, the SILG urged LGUs to instill discipline among citizens when it comes to proper waste disposal.
“Yung magdi-drain ka ng kanal or river, ang makukuha mo refrigerator, kama, furniture. That’s all human behavior. And that is correctible if we enforce it properly,” said Remulla.
(When you drain a canal or river, you find refrigerators, beds, furniture. That’s all due to human behavior and it's fixable if we enforce the rules properly.)
He added that efficient garbage collection at both the municipal and barangay levels is crucial to support ongoing clean-up operations in creeks and waterways.
Remulla said the DILG is set to convene a summit with Metro Manila mayors to institutionalize public discipline on waste management and emphasize that natural waterways are not dumpsites but vital ecosystems that must be protected.
“Ang daan ng kalikasan, hindi basurahan 'yan. Para sa kalikasan 'yan talaga,” Remulla said.
(Nature’s pathways are not trash bins. They are for nature itself.)
Metro Manila was among the hardest-hit areas during the onslaught of the habagat and a series of weather systems that affected over 820,000 individuals nationwide last week.
Massive floods were reported in various cities in the capital region, submerging entire communities.
In his fourth Sona, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. urged the public to observe discipline in proper waste management.
“Sa ating mga kababayan: hindi magtatagumpay ang anumang paghahanda natin kung wala ang tulong po ninyo. Hiling din namin ang inyong kooperasyon, inyong disiplina, pagmamatyag, at bayanihan bilang responsableng mamamayan,” Marcos said.
(To our fellow citizens: none of our preparations will succeed without your help. We ask for your cooperation, discipline, vigilance, and spirit of community as responsible citizens.)
Marcos said the prevailing effects of climate change represent the “new normal,” which requires the public to be more vigilant and prepared at all times.
He committed to support infrastructure projects, including the construction of more evacuation areas in strategic locations, and to promote technological advancements and modernization for improved detection and prediction of environmental risks—especially typhoons, tsunamis, landslides, and volcanic eruptions.
“Dahil sunod-sunod ang mga sakuna, lalo na ang bagyo, mahalagang itanim ang prinsipyo ng continuous improvement, kung saan tayo ay natututo [at] palaging humuhusay sa bawat karanasan. Nareremedyuhan kung saan tayo nagkulang, at saan natin dapat galingan pa,” said Marcos.
(Because disasters are occurring one after another, especially typhoons, it is important to embrace the principle of continuous improvement—where we learn and get better with every experience. We fix where we fall short, and strive to do better where it counts.)
“Kooperasyon sa mga malawakang ensayo, pagsunod sa mga babala at tagubilin, tulad ng agarang paglikas at pag-iwas sa mga danger zones,” he added.
(Cooperate in large-scale drills, follow warnings and instructions, such as immediate evacuation and avoiding danger zones.)
Remulla reiterated that enhancing LGU capabilities in disaster preparedness is ongoing through systems-based protocols, grassroots engagement, and anticipatory planning—all aimed at building resilient communities equipped to prevent loss of life and ensure rapid response.
He said the department’s stance is clear and firm: anticipate, prepare, and act decisively before disasters strike.
“Disaster preparedness must be embedded in how we govern every day. Bago pa bumaha, bago pa tumama ang bagyo, dapat may galaw na ang lokal na pamahalaan,” Remulla said.
(Disaster preparedness must be part of everyday governance. Before the flood comes, before the storm hits, local governments must already be taking action.)
As vice chair for Disaster Preparedness under the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the DILG leads the implementation of Operation Listo—a disaster readiness protocol that standardizes pre-disaster actions for governors, mayors, and punong barangays.
In April 2025, the DILG launched the enhanced Listo si Kap protocol, which focuses on equipping barangay officials with the right tools, coordination frameworks, and situational checklists—even for far-flung sitios.
The agency also issued memorandums directing LGUs to update their disaster preparedness plans, monitor critical waterways, and preposition cleaning and rescue assets ahead of weather disturbances.
LGUs are also reminded to open civic spaces such as parks, plazas, and covered courts to the public, especially during emergencies and evacuations.
These same venues are encouraged to host disaster education sessions, drills, and wellness activities to strengthen community ties.
“The work of preparedness does not belong to one office alone. Every barangay, every LGU must be part of the system. Preparedness is governance. Kaligtasan ay responsibilidad ng lahat (safety is everyone’s responsibility),” said Remulla. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)