The Province of Siquijor is the third smallest province in the Philippines, both in population and land area. But this tiny and remote island and being a member of the Central Visayas region – the leader in tourism in the country, was reported to be one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines last 2018. Aside from its 95,984 residents (2015 census), both local and international visitors are crowding the “Island of Fire” to experience its pristine waters, beautiful beaches, and witness the alluring sunsets. However, with the continuous influx of tourists and the local economy booming, waste generation and disposal alongside grew. And without a concrete plan and an adequate waste management program, the beautiful island of Siquijor could be soon transformed into an “Island of Garbage”.
To prevent this waste crisis, Mother Earth Foundation (MEF) has partnered with the Province of Siquijor, and its 6 Municipalities; Enrique Villanueva, Larena, Lazi, Maria, San Juan, and Siquijor to co-implement the Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM) program. Aside from raising the level of awareness of the people and establishing a proper waste management program, the partnership also hopes to stop the plastic pollution “at the source”, and for the whole Province of Siquijor to work together towards a sustainable and #ZeroWasteIsland.
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Mother Earth Foundation (MEF) is a non-stock, non-profit organization actively engaged in addressing waste and toxic pollution, climate change, and other health and environmental justice issues. It is best known for its advocacy of Zero Waste through the systematic reduction and proper management of waste.
Since its founding in 1998, MEF has waged a nationwide campaign to train communities, schools, barangays (the smallest government unit), cities and municipalities on how to reduce and manage waste so that it brings no harm to public health or the environment and does not exacerbate climate change.
MEF helps local governments implement Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. Many of the communities and LGUs the MEF has trained have gained recognition as models of ecological waste management, winning various national, regional and distinct awards.