Leading waste management firm, Metro Clark Waste Management (MCWM), sustains and strengthens its community efforts with the implementation of community-based activities focusing on environmental protection, livelihood generation, and youth education development in the municipality of Capas, Tarlac. MCWM has recently spearheaded a farmer income-generating program last June along with their annual tree-planting initiatives held last June 18, both of which utilize the land area where the company operates in Tarlac. The company has also shared support to schools as institutions recalibrate their learning systems to adapt to the modular learning setup enforced by the government at the start of the pandemic.

“The pandemic has challenged a lot of business operations and hindered a lot of activities in the region, but we at MCWM, believe this shouldn’t stop us from still contributing to the immediate community where we operate,” Buddy Hontiveros, MCWM Vice President for Admin & HR, said. “As the safety and well-being of our community remains a top priority, we ensure that we are able to look after the needs of our stakeholders starting with areas that are closer to our home.”

The municipality of Capas in Tarlac is one of the 141 local government units (LGUs) that MCWM currently serves. The company is the first fully ISO-certified landfill in the Philippines and remains committed to providing quality waste management services in the region, as it strengthens its expansion and operations in the past year.

Generating livelihood and environmental sustainability programs

Amid lockdowns, MCWM has sponsored a livelihood program for the local farmers of Capas, Tarlac, training 21 family beneficiaries on growing crops and vegetables. MCWM also allowed the beneficiaries to utilize part of the land area within its premises for planting crops that will then be harvested and sold in the local market, with the potential profit fully awarded to the farmers who tirelessly worked on the land. Ten additional family beneficiaries will receive access to the new rice field within the site premises for this month. The company also continuously supports and contributes to the region’s community pantries.

“Malaki po naitutulong niya (livelihood program) kasi kung wala po ang livelihood na ito, wala po masyadong kita at hanapbuhay dito kaya malaki ang pasasalamat po namin sa Metro Clark Waste Management,” said Rubby Queinocho, an MCWM beneficiary farmer since 2018.

The company also furthers its vision on sustainability; MCWM spearheaded a tree-planting project in partnership with the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) of Capas, Tarlac. On its first run, the collaboration planted over 300 fruit-bearing and hardwood trees in Sitio Kalangitan. The company aims to implement and sustain this activity every year hoping to keep the municipality green and fit to house more communities and housing projects in the future.

Empowerment through education

Recognizing its role beyond environmental sustainability and waste management, MCWM launched a computer literacy program called Para sa Kabataan ng Bamban tungo sa Makabagong Teknolohiya, a project which aims to equip Capas students with skills and computer access that will help them secure jobs in the future.

MCWM acknowledges the importance of looking after the very community where they operate, understanding that their growth is synonymous with the company’s progress in the long run. “MCWM truly values the partnership we have with the municipality of Capas. More than the services we provide through our waste management practices, we look after how we can provide development opportunities across all fronts and at all times,” Hontiveros added.

“We are truly grateful for the support and commitment that Metro Clark Waste Management has provided our communities in more ways than one. The company has never shied away from any opportunity to lend a helping hand when it is needed by our kababayans,” remarked Gener Tanhueco, Capas LGU’s MENRO officer.

Earlier this year, MCWM announced its P300 million investment to expand its facilities in Capas, Tarlac to further accommodate the waste management needs of the growing region, broaden operations capacities, and generate job opportunities for the local community.

As the government enforces the stricter implementation of laws concerning illegal operations of open landfills, which led to the closure of dozens of open dumpsites across the country, MCWM reassures its stakeholders that the company is able to accommodate and respond to the needs of its new customers and partners, while implementing efforts that best serve the welfare and interests of its communities and all stakeholders.