World Health Organization and Encephalitis International Launch Technical Brief on Encephalitis Amid Increasing Global Threat

World Health Organization and Encephalitis International Launch Technical Brief on Encephalitis Amid Increasing Global Threat

Sunday, February 23, 2025

Encephalitis International, a nonprofit organization, funded a technical brief recently released by the World Health Organization (WHO) in recognition of World Encephalitis Day on February 22. The brief identifies encephalitis, a life-threatening brain inflammation, as a growing global threat and urgent public health issue due to its high mortality, disability burden, and economic impact.

The technical brief outlines key actions to improve prevention, data collection, diagnostics, treatment, aftercare, awareness, and research innovation. It calls on health professionals, policymakers, and global stakeholders to take action and implement recommendations to save lives and reduce disability from encephalitis.

“Encephalitis is an increasing global threat. Without urgent attention and investment, we will see more needless deaths and disability from the condition,” said Dr. Ava Easton, Chief Executive of Encephalitis International. “The launch of this Technical Brief is a critical step toward addressing the gaps in awareness, diagnosis, and treatment. It provides a roadmap for policymakers and healthcare professionals to strengthen surveillance, improve patient care, and drive much-needed research. Encephalitis can no longer be ignored—we must act now to prevent avoidable suffering and loss.”

“The WHO Encephalitis Technical Brief aims to focus attention on the increasing global threat of encephalitis, prevention strategies, and existing gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and care, which will help enable more people affected to receive the treatment and support they need to live fulfilling and healthy lives,” said Dr. Tarun Dua, Head of the Brain Health Unit at WHO. “By strengthening surveillance, expanding access to timely and accurate diagnosis, and ensuring that encephalitis is prioritized within national healthcare frameworks, we can improve outcomes for millions of individuals worldwide. Urgent collaboration across governments, healthcare systems, and researchers is essential to addressing this growing health challenge.”

Multiple Factors Driving Global Threat

Low awareness of encephalitis remains a major challenge, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment, which increases mortality and complications. The brief, however, highlights that encephalitis is expected to spread further due to several key factors:

Rising population density increases the spread of encephalitis, especially in resource-limited settings where overcrowding and healthcare shortages make prevention and treatment more difficult.

Emerging and re-emerging infections introduce new encephalitis-causing pathogens or revive old ones, challenging surveillance and response efforts while increasing the risk of outbreaks.

Vaccine hesitancy reduces immunization coverage, weakening protection against preventable causes of encephalitis and contributing to disease resurgence.

Climate change shifts environmental conditions, expanding the habitat of disease-carrying vectors such as mosquitoes and ticks, increasing the transmission of vector-borne encephalitis.

Urbanization accelerates human encroachment into natural habitats, increasing exposure to animal-borne pathogens while also straining sanitation and healthcare systems, further driving encephalitis cases.

Hidden Burden in Low-to-Middle-Income Countries Like the Philippines

The true global burden of encephalitis remains unknown, particularly in low-to-middle-income countries (LMICs) like the Philippines, where health services and resources are often limited. Many patients require intensive care with trained neurological staff, but specialized neurology units are scarce. Even where facilities exist, patients may need to travel long distances for treatment. Limited access to essential medications, inadequate supply chains, and regulatory challenges further hinder treatment, leaving many without proper care.

Beyond medical challenges, the economic and social burden of encephalitis is severe. The high cost of treatment, coupled with lost income and long-term brain and nerve damage, places a heavy strain on families. Disabilities resulting from encephalitis, including cognitive and motor impairments, further impact quality of life and productivity. Addressing these issues requires stronger encephalitis research, focusing on disease burden, health economics, long-term outcomes, and improved health information systems to support better prevention, diagnosis, and care.

Reducing the burden of encephalitis requires a multifaceted approach, starting with vaccination strategies, robust surveillance systems, and stronger health systems. Advancing medical and public health research is essential to drive new solutions, while public awareness and education can help prevent cases, improve early detection, and foster greater understanding of the condition.

“Our recent research has shown that many of the interventions needed to improve diagnosis and treatment of encephalitis are not particularly expensive. A lot of it is about increasing surveillance and recognition of the condition, providing simple equipment for early diagnosis, and making sure the right treatments, many of which are very affordable, are available,” said Professor Tom Solomon CBE, President of Encephalitis International and advisor to the WHO.

The condition must also be prioritized in global and national health agendas, with increased resources for targeted interventions and collaboration among public and private stakeholders. These combined efforts can reduce the disease burden, improve outcomes for those affected, and strengthen health systems to better respond to this growing health threat.

To support the recommended actions from the technical brief, Encephalitis International has launched a pilot appeal “Count Down to Change”. The appeal aims to raise £50,000 (approximately ₱3,667,260) to kickstart a fund dedicated to implementing these actions.

The Technical Brief by WHO and Encephalitis International can be accessed and downloaded through this link.

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VFS Global alerts Filipinos and residents of The Philippines against visa frauds, advises to apply early to avoid delays

VFS Global alerts Filipinos and residents of The Philippines against visa frauds, advises to apply early to avoid delays

With the surge in outbound travel demand from The Philippines, visa applications submitted for various countries are at volumes higher than ever before. With this increased demand for visa application appointments, scammers pose as employees or associates of the organisation; or agents and intermediaries who sell appointments, issue fake appointment letters, or claim to influence positive visa decision, etc. to embezzle innocent visa applicants.

Given this context, VFS Global, the world’s leading outsourcing and technology service specialist, shared anti-fraud and apply-in-advance advisories for visa applicants at an event held in Manila, Philippines, on 12 February 2025.

Commenting on the matter, Bernard Vijaykumar, Head – North Asia & Philippines, VFS Global, said, “We strongly encourage all travellers to apply for their visas well in advance of their intended travel dates. Waiting until the last moment not only increases the risk of delays but also exposes applicants to fraudulent entities seeking to exploit their urgency. Additionally, it is also important for applicants to know that VFS Global does not work in association with any third-party entities for appointment bookings and has no role or influence on decision making. They should be beware of scammers and fraudulent entities who claim to be associated with VFS Global in any capacity or pose as a VFS Global representative to dupe unsuspecting visa applicants and do proper due diligence before paying money.”

Here’s a quick guide for visa applicants to mitigate frauds:

1. Apply early

It is recommended to apply for visas as early as booking flights and accommodation. Most countries accept visa applications up to 90 days (3 months) before your date of travel. According to the revised Schengen Visa Code, effective 09 February 2020, you can apply for a Schengen visa up to 6 months before your date of travel.

2. Visa appointments are free

We do not charge any payment for scheduling visa appointments for countries we serve. Appointments are free and can be booked only on www.vfsglobal.com. There could be a nominal service fee to prepay for select countries.

3. VFS Global has no role or influence on the decision of your visa application

The decision on visa applications, the visa tenure, and timelines to process them lie solely in the hands of the concerned Embassies or Consulates. VFS Global simply handles the administrative and non-judgmental aspects of the visa application process. VFS Global or any third-party entity has no role or influence on the decision of your visa application.

4. VFS Global does not work in association with any third-party entities

Applicants should beware of scammers and fraudulent entities who claim to be associated with us in any capacity or pose as VFS Global to guarantee appointments or positive visa decision to dupe them.

5. VFS Global is neither involved in job placement nor immigration-related services.

Applicants are advised to be cautious of scammers offering spurious job or immigration opportunities for money.

In the rush to travel, applicants also tend to make avoidable mistakes, which lead to rejection of their visas. Here are the most common mistakes applicants make and ways to avoid them:

1. Information mismatch: Applicants should make sure that the details on their application forms, such as name, passport number, and date of birth, exactly match their official documents. In some cases, people tend to write information that is inconsistent with their documents or identity proofs.

2. Incorrect photo format: Applicants must submit photos that meet the required format. Please visit our website for photo guidelines specific to the country you are ordering from.

3. Incomplete documentation: Applicants should refer to the destination-specific checklist available on the VFS Global information pages to submit all required documents. Even a single missing document may render your application incomplete and may cause delay/rejection.

4. Unauthenticated bank statements: For certain destinations, applicants should make sure their bank statements are properly updated and authenticated as required, although this may vary from mission to mission. While it is common to present bank statements, and most travellers are aware of this, not having these bank statements authenticated is a common mistake.

VFS Global caters to 28 sovereign governments in the Philippines namely Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece (represents Portugal), Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway (represents Iceland), Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, UAE (Dubai visa and Attestation Services), Ukraine, and United Kingdom. VFS Global’s role in the visa application process is limited to front-end administrative tasks only, which include collecting visa application forms, required documentation as per the checklist, and enrol biometrics, if applicable. VFS Global has no role in the decision-making process of granting or refusing a visa.

Enjoy our optional value-added services for a seamless visa experience such as:

Visa At Your Doorstep/On Demand Mobile Visa: Apply for your visa and enrol biometrics from the location of your choice.

Premium Lounge: Get an end-to-end personalised visa submission experience from the comfort of a lounge.

Premium Application Centre: Non mandatory service for UK visa applicants allowing their application process to be convenient and more relaxed.

Keep My Passport When Applying: Convenient service for UK visa applicants to hold on to their passports till the visa decision comes.

Prime Time Appointment: Apply for your visa beyond normal working hours or even on weekends.

Prime Time Passport Collection: Collect your visa decision beyond normal working hours.

SMS: This notification service sends an automated messages including emails to your mobile phone at key stages of the visa application process.

Courier Service: We deliver your passport and documents. It’s quick, safe, and convenient.

About VFS Global

As the world’s leading outsourcing and technology service specialist, VFS Global embraces technological innovation including Generative AI to support governments and diplomatic missions worldwide. The company manages non-judgmental and administrative tasks related to applications for visa, passport, and consular services for its client governments, increasing productivity and enabling them to focus entirely on the critical task of assessment.

With a responsible approach to technology development, adoption and integration, the company prioritizes ethical practices and sustainability while serving as the trusted partner to 68 client governments. Operating over 3,500 Application Centres in 153 countries, VFS Global has efficiently processed more than 305 million applications since 2001.

Headquartered in Zurich and Dubai and majority owned through investment funds managed by Blackstone Inc, along with the Swiss-based Kuoni and Hugentobler Foundation and EQT, VFS Global is committed to creating value for all stakeholders and leading in responsible, innovative solutions making government services more effective and efficient.

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Mompreneurs, women in business take center stage at UN Women WEPs Awards forum

Mompreneurs, women in business take center stage at UN Women WEPs Awards forum

Madiskarte Moms PH, the online community of women and mompreneurs in the Philippines, took centerstage at the first-ever Asia-Pacific UN Women's Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Awards. The forum and awards ceremony celebrated companies championing gender equality in the region, and highlighted critical topics such as women entrepreneurship and digital inclusivity.

Athena Denise Galao, Country Program Coordinator of UN Women Philippines, led the discussion with the panel composed of women leaders Melissa Vergel de Dios, PLDT Chief Sustainability Officer and advocate for Madiskarte Moms PH (MMPH); Ahyee Campos of GoDigital Pilipinas and Country Head of Infosys BPM Philippines; NEDA Undersecretary Atty. Krystal Lyn Uy; and Connected Women CEO Agnes Gervacio.

Women in business

When people think of “women in business,” they immediately think of women executives working for big companies in finance or retail rather than the grassroots entrepreneurs and community leaders who are often the driving forces behind local economies.

The pandemic revealed the untapped potential of these women through Madiskarte Moms PH. And four years after its inception, this online community of almost 200,000 mompreneurs continues to promote digital upskilling, enhance entrepreneurial skills, and expand access to community support for its members to start and grow their home-based businesses.

PLDT Home, which supported the online community of moms from its founding, helped these small businesses not just to survive but to flourish during their most challenging times.

PLDT Chief Sustainability Officer and advocate for Madiskarte Moms PH Melissa Vergel de Dios shared that it is “all about the creativity and innovation of mompreneurs.”

Vergel de Dios relates the story of an awardee at the 2024 Gawad Madiskarte, PLDT Home’s annual recognition and awards for the best businesses by mompreneurs. “This mom needed to buy milk for her child, which cost her the only money she had—P3,000. Not only was her budget just enough, but it was also unfortunately stolen or lost. Instead of being overcome by helplessness, this clever mom sold her old clothes and made P7,000. This mom turned an unfortunate incident into the beginning of her business called HTP or Half the Price. Now that she had capital for a business, she called up all her friends to put their unwanted clothes together and sell them. From that P7,000, her income is now seven figures.”

PLDT Home’s advocacy for inclusivity for women in business and in tech goes hand in hand with the continuous expansion of its fiber network across the country and support for programs on internet education for the whole family.

“We’ve given masterclasses and lessons that teach women how to create their own websites, how to avoid scams and fraud. But, as I say, it takes a whole nation. Now, the Madiskarte Moms teach new members so that they can go forward as well,” Vergel de Dios added.

Breaking gender stereotypes

Breaking conventional gender roles and mindsets has also allowed the government to map out an inclusivity plan for women. NEDA Undersecretary Atty. Krystal Lyn Uy said the Philippine Development Plan or “the nation’s blueprint” includes strategies to mainstream gender equality in government.

Moderator and Country Program Coordinator of UN Women Philippines Athena Denise Galao raised a valid point on women who work from home still bearing increased domestic responsibilities. “How do we prevent housework from becoming another barrier for women’s advancement?”

Ahyee Campos of GoDigital Pilipinas and Country Head of Infosys said, “We need to take away the mindset that home care is only for women. Unpaid home care is not allowing women in that kind of working model to really succeed. And so participation of the husband in those conversations needs to be more active and the women need to be more forthcoming—it cannot be assumed that it’s understood.”

Will AI take away jobs?

As AI becomes more intelligent—by learning from humans! — the inevitable question for every employee is: will my employer replace me with a computer program?

Not likely, according to Connected Women CEO Agnes Gervacio. “When you embark on digital transformation and your goal is to do headcount reduction, you’re doing it all wrong. Because the goal of digital transformation is to make sure that you deliver efficiencies as well as ensure that your business is competitive.”

That future may not always be in the office, according to Vergel de Dios. “Sometimes success is not being an executive in the office but being an entrepreneur. Today’s success is defined differently. We can be role models to the little girls that look up to us, and we can show them that they can dream. It also starts with education so that at a young stage the stereotypes are broken at the formation stage.”

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Industry alliances warn of the true cost of illicit alcohol

Industry alliances warn of the true cost of illicit alcohol

Saturday, February 22, 2025

A 2023 report from the Transnational Alliance to Combat Illicit Trade (Tracit) revealed a staggering figure in the Philippines’ struggle with illicit alcohol: 31% of the country’s alcohol consumption was unrecorded, representing up to PHP 40 billion in lost annual tax revenue.

This amounts to a missed opportunity to build over 36,000 new public school classrooms, lay more than 1,300 kilometers of roads, or establish eight new public hospitals. Breaking down the loss further, PHP 1.6 billion is attributed to smuggling, while counterfeit alcohol drains PHP 22.5 billion from government coffers.

In 2024, the National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR) seized a new record value of counterfeit goods, including alcohol, worth PHP 41 billion, compared to PHP 26 billion in 2023. The growth in seized contraband underscores the pressing issue of counterfeit alcohol and its detrimental impact on the economy, legitimate businesses, and public safety.

A threat to the economy and society

Beyond lost tax revenue, the rise in illicit alcohol sales negatively impacts legitimate, tax-paying businesses, tarnishing the reputation of authentic brands and reducing their market share. Alcohol manufacturers are advocating for a "whole-of-society" approach to combat this problem.

“Addressing the spread of smuggled and counterfeit goods requires collaboration across the public and private sectors, as well as active participation from consumers. It’s a collective responsibility to protect legitimate businesses, safeguard tax revenues, and prevent counterfeit products from infiltrating the market,” said Nick Sonderup, Chair of The Alcoholic Beverages Alliance of the Philippines (ABAPI).

Illicit alcohol sales also divert resources to organized crime. David Francis, Managing Director of the Alliance Against Counterfeit Spirits (AACS), emphasizes that counterfeiting and smuggling are more than economic infractions.

“Counterfeiting and smuggling are crimes themselves and they can finance even more serious criminal activity. The new year marks a fresh start to address illegal activities that undermine the rule of law. When people buy counterfeit alcohol, they may be inadvertently supporting a network of criminal operations,” said Francis.

In addition to economic losses, the consumption of counterfeit alcohol poses severe health risks such as methanol poisoning. Unregulated and potentially hazardous, counterfeit alcoholic beverages impersonate well-known brand names, fuelling consumer confusion.

Choose authentic this 2025

Counterfeit goods remain a persistent threat, impacting consumers and businesses all-year round. The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) is urging consumers to exercise caution and vigilance when making purchases.

“Be wary and cautious when buying products, not just online but also in physical markets. If a deal sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Counterfeit goods, including alcohol, are often marketed at a discount that seems hard to resist. If these ‘bargains’ put your health and life at risk, what you’re really getting is a gamble with a bigger price to pay,” said IPOPHL Director General Brigitte da Costa-Villaluz.

“We encourage consumers to be discerning and to only purchase from reputable retailers,” said Atty. Christine V. Pangilinan-Canlapan, Assistant Director of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines’ Bureau of Legal Affairs and Supervising Director of the IP Rights Enforcement Office (IEO). “It is best to purchase these products from legitimate stores to ensure that you are getting genuine items and to avoid the risks associated with counterfeit goods,” she added.

To address these challenges, industry organizations call on the government, businesses, and consumers to contribute to a unified response. ABAPI, AACS, and the Asia Pacific International Spirits & Wines Association (APISWA) have launched an awareness campaign to combat the spread of counterfeit and smuggled goods.

The "Drink Authentic, Enjoy Responsibly” campaign aims to inform the public about the dangers and economic implications of illicit alcohol and underscores that drinking responsibly starts with buying authentically.

“Consumers can make safer choices by following a few simple steps,” Francis added. “This includes purchasing only from reputable sellers, carefully comparing prices with local supermarkets, diligently inspecting the product and packaging, and only paying through recognized payment channels.”

This initiative also raises awareness of counterfeit products as a scam, targeting unsuspecting buyers who believe they are purchasing legitimate products. Through the campaign, industry alliances seek to reinforce the message that buying counterfeit alcohol not only contributes to crime but also jeopardizes the safety and security of families and communities.

Consumers can learn more about the campaign through its social media pages on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

Detailed guidelines on avoiding and reporting counterfeit alcohol are also available at https://aacs-global.com/how-to-stay-safe.

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Alsons Dev Formalizes Support for DCWD’s Watershed Management Program

Alsons Dev Formalizes Support for DCWD’s Watershed Management Program

Alsons Development and Investment Corporation (Alsons Dev) formalized its partnership with the Davao City Water District (DCWD) for the Adopt-A-Site project through a Memorandum of Agreement signing held on February 13, 2025, at the Alsons Dev Poblacion Market Central Sales Showroom.

Leading the signing were Alsons Dev Vice President & General Manager Eric de la Costa, Alsons Dev Corporate Communications Manager Margarita Rey-Gross, DCWD General Manager Mildred G. Aviles, CPA, DM-HRM, DCWD Community Relations and External Affairs Department Manager Jovana Cresta T. Duhaylungsod, DCWD Environment and Watershed Protection Division Manager Anji Laura A. Grecia-Lorona and Ryan Vidanes, Executive Director of the Alcantara Foundation, the CSR arm of the Alcantara Group;

Through this partnership, Alsons Dev will adopt and rehabilitate five hectares of land in the Mt. Tipolog-Tamugan Watershed as part of DCWD’s Integrated Watershed Management Program. This initiative supports the protection of this critical water source through sustained reforestation and maintenance efforts over the next five years.

The Adopt-A-Site project encourages stakeholder involvement in watershed conservation, ensuring a sustainable water supply for future generations. Alsons Dev's participation highlights the company’s long-term commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.

Alsons Dev is a leading property developer in Davao, committed to creating sustainable and vibrant communities. For more information about Alsons Dev, visit https://alsonsdev.com/.

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MDPPA records 7% increase in motorcycle sales for 2024, eyes 5% growth for 2025

MDPPA records 7% increase in motorcycle sales for 2024, eyes 5% growth for 2025

The Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association, Inc. (MDPPA), a consortium of four major Japanese motorcycle manufacturers—Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, and its newest member, TVS Philippines, has reported a 7% increase in motorcycle sales for 2024.

The total wholesale sales recorded by MDPPA members reached 1,682,482 units in 2024, marking the highest sales figure in the past five years. This is a significant rise compared to 1,577,597 units sold in 2023. In comparison, motorcycle sales in 2022 and 2021 were 1,564,827 units and 1,435,677 units, respectively. Prior to the pandemic in 2020, MDPPA’s total sales were around 1.2 million units. The 2019 sales figure remains a peak year, with 1.7 million units sold.

“Despite ongoing challenges in the industry, MDPPA is pleased to share that the 7% growth achieved in 2024 is the highest among our ASEAN neighbors,” Alex Cumpas, President of MDPPA, noted. “Indonesia and Malaysia experienced a growth of 2%, while others within the region recorded minimal growth numbers. We are hopeful that the golden years of 2019, when we recorded sales of 1.7 million units, could be surpassed this year in 2025.”

Cumpas attributed the optimism for 2025 to several factors, including the upcoming national election, favorable economic conditions, and supportive house bills targeting the motorcycle industry. These developments have prompted MDPPA to set a forecast of 5% growth for 2025.

In terms of market segmentation, the automatic category continues to dominate, accounting for 64% of total sales. This is followed by the Business Unit (BU) category, which makes up 17%, and moped motorcycles with 16.3%. The remaining 2.7% is split between street bikes and big bikes.

Alongside MDPPA’s growth and success in the motorcycle market, the association remains committed to its “Tropang MAALAM” campaign. This initiative continues to advocate for responsible riding, road safety, and motorcycle maintenance, ensuring that every rider on the road is equipped with the knowledge and skills to stay safe. “Tropang MAALAM” also promotes safe riding practices through informative campaigns that align with MDPPA's values of innovation and growth.

“The motorcycle industry has shown remarkable resilience, and as we move into 2025, we are focused on ensuring that safety, innovation, and sustainability remain at the forefront of our efforts,” said Cumpas. “We believe that with continued support from both the industry and the government, we can surpass our 2019 sales figures and create a safer, smarter future for all riders.”

About MDPPA

The Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association, Inc. (MDPPA) is the country’s most relevant association proactive to the needs of stakeholders in the country’s motorcycle industry. MDPPA members include leading motorcycle manufacturers: Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, and TVS. Among the many goals of MDPPA is addressing the global industry gaps in road safety, regulation compliance, environmental protection, technology, and innovation through active consultation, representation, and communication with various stakeholders.

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MMDA Tapayan Pumping Station: A Model for Sustainable Waste Management and Flood Mitigation

MMDA Tapayan Pumping Station: A Model for Sustainable Waste Management and Flood Mitigation

Friday, February 21, 2025

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is leading the way in sustainable waste management and flood control with its innovations at the Tapayan Pumping Station. This specialized facility transforms water hyacinths, a major contributor to waterway obstruction and flooding, into valuable resources such as charcoal briquettes and lilipots for gardening and community use.

Water hyacinths, with their rapid growth and tendency to clog waterways, pose a significant threat to Metro Manila's drainage systems. The Tapayan River, where one of the MMDA’s Pumping Stations is located, is heavily covered by these invasive plants. "The abundance of water hyacinths severely hinders water flow and impacts the efficiency of our pumping stations," explained Engineer John Chrisler Lucero from MMDA Metro Manila Flood Management Project (MMFMP) - Project Management Office (PMO). "Removing water hyacinths is crucial for flood mitigation. As they habitually form thick mats that impede water flow, they tend to reduce the capacity of waterways and increase the likelihood of overflows and flooding. This facility's efforts directly address this problem. By processing these plants at the Tapayan facility, we do not only alleviate these issues but also contribute to cleaner waterways and a more sustainable environment."

At the Tapayan Pumping Station, collected water hyacinths undergo a significant transformation process. Two (2) products are made from dried water hyacinths: charcoal briquettes and lily pots. Both processes rely on heat and compression. For charcoal briquettes, the dried plants undergo carbonization (heating) and are then mixed with a specific ratio of soil and water prior to extrusion into briquettes of the desired shape and size. Lily pots, on the other hand, are formed by bundling the dried hyacinths, placing them in a mold, and using a hydraulic press to shape them into pots. A binder is added to enhance the pots' durability. This facility enables MMDA to unclog waterways by harvesting water hyacinths without disposing them to landfills. "Diverting water hyacinths from landfills, which generate harmful greenhouse gases like methane, significantly reduces their environmental impact," added Engineer Lucero. "Furthermore, repurposing these plants into valuable products promotes a circular economy."

The facility actively engages with local communities through "palit-kalakal" initiatives, where residents can exchange recyclable materials such as plastic and glass for briquettes and lily pots. This incentivizes proper waste segregation and encourages communities to participate in sustainable SWM programs. According to Engineer Lucero, "these initiatives demonstrate how individual actions can create economic opportunities and introduce positive change."

As of February 2025, MMDA has reported the recovery of 19,881 kilograms of water hyacinths. These efforts have resulted in the production of 4,506 charcoal briquettes and 226 lily pots.

Beyond processing water hyacinths, MMDA motivates communities to participate in briquette production to further promote awareness of sustainable waste management practices. The agency also addresses the challenge of flooding by educating communities about the link between waste and drainage problems, empowering them to become leaders in creating solutions and ensuring long-term sustainability from institutions to households. Engr. Lucero notes that MMDA "aims to inspire broader community engagement that cultivates a lasting impact and a sense of responsibility towards a better quality of life."

The Tapayan Pumping Station serves as a vital component of the MMDA's comprehensive flood mitigation strategy. By effectively removing water hyacinths, the facility directly improves drainage capacity and reduces the risk of flooding in the affected areas. It further exemplifies MMDA's commitment to innovative solutions by transforming waste into resources. The agency is paving the way for a cleaner, greener, and more resilient future for Metro Manila.

Looking ahead, MMDA is exploring the establishment of centralized and decentralized materials recovery facilities to further advance its zero-waste goals.

For more information on MMDA’s projects and initiatives, visit their website or follow @MMDA on social media.

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