The Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism – BARMM visited IDIS to learn about the Solid Waste Management and Pollution Control initiatives of the organization and its partners.
IDIS Program Coordinator, EnP. Lemuel Manalo, shared IDIS’ efforts in lobbying for policies relative to our campaign against single-use plastics. He also shared our waste and brand audit efforts conducted in several areas in Davao City.
Nanay Elena Mabano of Toril Kalambuan Association , one of Davao’s Lunhaw Awardees, shared their initiatives on upcycling residual wastes and turning them into earrings, necklaces, wallets, and slippers. She emphasized that the BARMM can replicate their initiative to resolve the issue of plastic waste and, at the same time, empower local communities through an income-generating project.
Limadol , an impact start-up enterprise aiming to reduce food waste through composting with the use of black soldier flies, also shared their initiative. Noel Ferrer, Manager of Limadol, explained how the flies could help resolve the increasing number of food wastes and be a source of income for individuals, establishments, and communities.
Capt. Rey Amador Bargamento of Brgy. Mintal, the recipient of the PHINLA Project that aims to address poor waste management concerns in the barangay, shared the project’s progress. He further shared that their project really helped in the City’s efforts to minimize the waste sent to the landfill as the barangay diverts it through composting of biodegradable wastes and selling recyclable materials to junk shops and other facilities.
The Director of the Ministry of Trade, Investment, and Tourism, Mr. Hussein Biruar, appreciated and commended the initiatives presented. They have seen the importance of these initiatives and how they can also be replicated and help the BARMM region. They look forward to another conversation focusing on crafting plans and strategies with IDIS and its partners.