Builder of Progress

The Professional Garbageman
The future is bright for this generation of garbagemen.
Since the Philippines is one of the world’s top waste generators especially with the heavy use of plastics, the government, private and non-government sectors are restlessly working hand-in-hand in order to address the issue. To name a few, there are the Philippine Extended Producer Responsibility Act of 2022 that holds companies accountable for their packaging materials and wastes, water-neutrality initiatives of companies, waste upcycling community projects and the local initiatives of the municipalities like professionalizing the garbagemen and garbage collectors.
Before, garbage collection seems like dirty work and being looked down by the society. Today, garbagemen are being professionalized and get the dignity, pride and recognition they deserve. The society now understands that they play a vital role in keeping our environment pristine. The Information, Education and Communication campaigns helped open the minds of the public.

By Leslie Anne Garcia, Philippines