Community Engagement in Disaster Waste Management in the Philippines: Challenges and Opportunities

The Philippines, one of the most disaster-prone countries worldwide, faces significant challenges in managing waste generated by natural hazards such as typhoons and earthquakes. Effective disaster waste management (DWM) is crucial to mitigating environmental and public health risks and accelerating recovery. This study explores the critical role of community engagement in DWM within the Philippine context, emphasizing the roles of various stakeholders: local residents, community-based organizations, youth groups, and barangay (village) officials. Local residents play a vital role in debris removal, sorting, and recycling, contributing to waste reduction efforts. Community-based organizations and non-governmental organizations often facilitate training programs, public awareness campaigns, and mobilization of volunteers to support DWM activities. Youth groups, such as the Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council), can help drive these efforts by raising awareness about proper waste management practices and participating in clean-up drives. Barangay officials coordinate local responses, enforce waste management policies, and serve as a bridge between higher government levels and the community. However, barriers to effective community engagement persist, including limited awareness of proper waste management, socio-economic constraints, and inadequate coordination between stakeholders. Cultural factors, such as local beliefs about waste disposal, social norms around community participation, and traditional land-use practices, along with existing vulnerabilities, further complicate efforts to mobilize communities, especially in remote or marginalized areas. Despite these challenges, there are opportunities to enhance stakeholder involvement. Community-based recycling practices, such as the use of materials recovery facilities, and formal waste management strategies can boost community participation. Strengthening partnerships between local authorities, organizations, and community groups can also foster resilience and facilitate resource mobilization. This study will offer case studies of community-driven DWM initiatives from across the Philippines, providing insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers to optimize stakeholder roles and contributions for a more sustainable disaster recovery.