The most surprising fact we (as Japanese) found during our tours is the stark difference in implementation of waste disposal between Japan and the Philippines. We felt like we were constantly bombarded by the overwhelming amount of the remaining waste left to accumulate in the streets, canals, and other public areas as much as a high level of pollution in the city, primarily attributed to the lack of proper waste segregation and disposal systems which Japanese government seemed to have successfully dealt with a few decades ago.
 

In fact, according to one study from the Solid Waste Management office showed that the actual volume of waste in Metro Manila that was properly disposed of in its dumping area merely reached  54.81 per cent of the total collected garbage each day. Therefore, 45.19 per cent of garbage was not properly disposed of , therefore almost half of the waste from Metro Manila alone is not being disposed of properly. 
 
The Certain Bar is a bar which conceptualized SDGs (Sustainable development Goals) and attached significance to making use of organic ingredients to curb the public health risk given toward farm workers, their families, and consumers by minimizing their exposures toxic chemicals on the farm and in food, the soil in which they work and play, the air they breathe, and the water they drink. For sustainable development to be achieved, it is crucial to harmonize three core elements: economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection. These elements are interconnected, and all are crucial for the well-being of individuals and societies.

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Waste management in Manila is an important and ongoing problem that needs dedicated attention. We realized government needs to improve the current methods employed, considering their environmental impacts. This responsibility falls in part on the citizens of Manila as well. Furthermore, initiatives aimed at improving waste management should be supported and encouraged when possible. Not to mention, tours offered by HAPPYLAND PROJECTS help us understand progress of actions taken to tackle long lasting issues so far and visualize the rooms for improvements.
 

Going forward, there is no easy solution for waste management in Manila, but we definitely believe that any contribution made towards solving this problem could make a lasting impact for generations to come.

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