What would you say if I told you that Barangay 20 transformed from garbage piles to a clean community? Barangay 20 is in Tondo Manila. It shows how people can change their environment.
Barangay 20 is the second most populous barangay in Manila. In 2020, its population was 45772. This is 2.48% of Manila’s total population.
Once, Barangay 20 had a bad reputation. It was near the decommissioned Smokey Mountain. People associated it with mountains of garbage. The smell was terrible even across the road. Waste floated along Manila Bay.
A 2014 study found Barangay 20 and Barangay 275 made 10 tons of waste daily. The combined population was over 65000. This much waste was not a surprise.
The city and port tried to fix the waste problem. But their efforts did not last. Residents focused on daily survival. The waste outside was just part of life.
Then came the Eco-Patrols. These 78 volunteers were from Barangay 20 and Barangay 275. The ICTSI Foundation organized them. The Parola Solid Waste Management Program trained them. They learned about waste segregation and recycling.
Rebecca Sanchez joined the Eco-Patrols in 2017. She saw the cleanliness in Parola. She wanted the same for Isla Puting Bato.
Before the program, Isla Puting Bato residents threw waste in piles. These piles were near the ICTSI Compound wall. Some even threw waste into Manila Bay. Rebecca said residents did not know about proper disposal.
Besides training, Eco-Patrols had team building and communication workshops. These helped them work together. They became more confident speaking. This helped them convince neighbors to segregate waste. They became partners in keeping their community clean.
Being an Eco-Patrol was hard at first. Many residents did not know about proper disposal. Some were sarcastic. Some threw trash in front of the Eco-Patrols as they cleaned. They thought the Eco-Patrols would always clean up after them.
But the volunteers persisted. After a year, their efforts paid off. Isla Puting Bato changed. The streets were no longer littered. Potted plants lined houses. Wastes were segregated.
Rebecca said fewer people threw waste into the bay. The Eco-Patrols taught them to clean in front of their houses. Isla Puting Bato and the rest of Barangay 20 saw the results. The community was cleaner and more organized. They felt proud of their hard work. They continue to improve waste management.
Rebecca believes being an Eco-Patrol is a duty not just a task. She sees it as public service. She is available to other Eco-Patrols. She bonds with them. She provides for her community’s needs.
Barangay 20 proves change is possible. It requires dedicated volunteers. It needs community participation. The Eco-Patrols show how a community can transform itself. Their efforts created a cleaner and more organized Barangay 20. They created a sense of pride. They also set an example for others to follow.