REVISITING THE ECOLOGICAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM IN THE SLUM AREAS OF MANILA

The global impact of solid waste is growing fasterthan the rate of urbanization, a threat to humanitys survival, a crime against the environment.In Manila, Philippines, estuaries are the tributaries of waterways flowing to Manila Bay.This study evaluated the degree of commission of Ecological Solid Waste Management(ESWM)as an environmental crime among theinformal settlers of the major estuaries of Manila.Italso investigatedthe causes of waste crime commission among the respondents.Using descriptive evaluative research and a purposive sampling technique,480 served as respondents of the study.For the treatment and analysis of data, percentage method, four point likert scale and Pearson Product Moment of Coefficient Correlation r were utilized.Results showed thatcommunity residents are less aware of their violation of the Ecological Solid Waste Law as an environmental crime and non-participation of the waste management program as to waste disposal.The environmental officers moderately aware on the non-strict implementation of waste management programsamong estuary residents.It showed the very great extent on the commission ESWM law. Meanwhile, there is a significant relationship on the perception of the respondent as to information campaign of the government and values orientation. Values orientation explained highly significant amount of variance on the commission of ESWM law. The results indicated the importance of understanding the community concerns, sustainable solid waste management program, awareness of environmental crimes, enforcement and prosecution of environmental laws and willingness towards involvement critical for prevention and informing in solid waste waste management program, awareness of environmental crimes, enforcement and prosecution of environmental laws and willingness towards involvement in solid waste management improvement initiatives are critical for prevention and informing interventions.